Answer:
1. When the United States of America adopted the bald eagle as the national symbol in 1782, anecdotal accounts stated the country may
2. have had as many as 100,000 nesting eagles. The first major decline of the species probably began in the mid to late 1800s, which coincided with the decline of waterfowl, shorebirds and other prey.
3. Although they primarily eat fish and carrion, bald eagles used to be considered marauders that preyed on chickens, lambs and domestic livestock.
4. Consequently, the large raptors were shot in an effort to eliminate a perceived threat. Coupled with the loss of nesting habitat, bald eagle populations declined.
Step-by-step explanation: