OHIO | As the Fourth of July illuminates the skies with fireworks, Ohio celebrates a different kind of soaring symbol—its thriving bald eagle population. According to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, the state has reached a remarkable milestone with 964 confirmed active bald eagle nests documented across 87 of its 88 counties. This update, shared just ahead of Independence Day, highlights the incredible comeback of America’s national bird, once teetering on the brink of extinction in the region.

A Nationwide Triumph Rooted in Ohio

The bald eagle, once an endangered species with only four nesting pairs in Ohio in 1979, has made a stunning recovery thanks to decades of dedicated conservation efforts. Removed from the federal threatened and endangered species list in 2007 and from Ohio’s list in 2012, the eagle’s resurgence is a testament to the power of habitat protection and community involvement. The Ohio Division of Wildlife emphasizes that this success story proves what can be achieved when we prioritize the conservation of natural habitats.

Ottawa County Leads the Way

At the forefront of this revival is Ottawa County, located along the shores of Lake Erie. Boasting the highest number of bald eagle nests in the state with 112 confirmed active nests, Ottawa County has become a hotspot for these majestic birds. The county’s proximity to Lake Erie provides an abundance of fish, the eagle’s primary food source, and ample wetland habitats ideal for nesting. This thriving population underscores the importance of preserving these critical ecosystems, making Ottawa County a shining example of conservation success.

Seneca County’s Remarkable Growth

Another inspiring story of growth comes from Seneca County, where the number of bald eagle nests has risen dramatically from just 7 in 2012 to 36 in 2025. This nearly fivefold increase reflects the broader trend of eagle recovery across Ohio, driven by cleaner waterways and restored wetlands. The Sandusky River, running through Seneca County, offers a vital habitat that has supported this resurgence, showcasing how targeted environmental efforts can yield significant results over time.

 

A Statewide Phenomenon

While Ottawa and Seneca counties stand out, the bald eagle’s presence is felt statewide. Sandusky County follows Ottawa with 61 nests, and Erie County reports 40, reinforcing the concentration of eagles near Lake Erie’s rich resources. Remarkably, active nests have been documented in all but one Ohio county—Meigs County in southern Ohio remains the sole exception. This near-universal distribution highlights the eagle’s adaptability and the effectiveness of conservation initiatives across diverse landscapes.

The Role of Community and Conservation

The 2025 bald eagle nest census, supported by over 1,800 reports from citizen scientists, underscores the critical role of public participation. The Ohio Division of Wildlife credits this collaborative effort for providing the most comprehensive picture of the state’s breeding eagle population to date. Habitat conservation, focusing on wetlands and wooded river corridors, along with enforcement of protective laws like the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, has been key to this success.

Looking to the Future

As Ohioans look up this Independence Day, they’ll see more than just fireworks—bald eagles soaring overhead serve as a living symbol of resilience and renewal. The Ohio Division of Wildlife encourages continued support through reporting nest sightings at wildohio.gov or via the HuntFish OH app, ensuring that this conservation success story continues to flourish. With ongoing efforts to protect habitats and monitor population trends, the future looks bright for these iconic birds across the Buckeye State.

For a detailed map of confirmed eagle nests, visit https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/f8c3a8a699ea4b2eae94ee5b728e48af. Celebrate this milestone and join the effort to keep Ohio’s skies filled with the majestic flight of bald eagles!