Pennsylvania is known for its rich wildlife population – from deer and foxes to woodpeckers and hawks. We’re also quite fortunate to have an abundance of bald eagles. If you’re never been wildlife watching, you might want to add it to your to do list. One of the best places, in fact, to marvel at and snap photos of the bald eagles is Pymatuning State Park in Pennsylvania.
Bald eagles have a long history in Pennsylvania, but their future once looked bleak. Back in the early 1980s, the state only had three bald eagle nests, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, landing them on the endangered list.
However, due to an intensive recovery program, the bald eagle population has grown and thrived since the 20th century. Today, more than 300 bald eagle nests can be found throughout Pennsylvania.
While bald eagles are no longer endangered in Pennsylvania, they are still protected by the Game and Wildlife Code. They still face danger from humans, too, including lead poisoning from lead bullets used by hunters.
If you’ve never seen a bald eagle in the wild, you have quite a few opportunities scattered throughout the state. Pymatuning State Park in Jamestown, for example, is a prime location to sneak a peek any time of the year.
Winter usually means fewer visitors to the popular park, providing the perfect opportunity to admire the bald eagles as they perch on the ice near Pymatuning Dam.
No matter when you visit, you should be able to see them flying overhead or sitting in their nests. If you’re visiting in the summer, your best bet is to head toward the northern part of the lake.
Pymatuning State Park is also known for its famous Spillway, where the ducks walk on the carp. A plethora of other wildlife – from owls to turtles – also call the park home.
Have you been to this Pymatuning State Park in Pennsylvania? Did you any of its famous bald eagle residents? Share your experience in the comments! Then take a look at the six most dangerous animals in Pennsylvania.
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