The average lifespan of a bald eagle in the wild is 20-30 years. However, some bald eagles have been known to live for up to 50 years. The lifespan of a bald eagle is determined by a number of factors, including diet, habitat, and exposure to pollutants.
Bald eagles that have access to a reliable food source and live in a healthy habitat tend to live longer than those that do not. Eagles that are exposed to pollutants, such as lead, are more likely to die prematurely.
Bald eagles reach sexual maturity at around 5 years old. They typically mate for life and will often return to the same nest site year after year. The female eagle lays 1-3 eggs per year. The eggs hatch after about 35 days and the young eagles fledge after about 7-9 weeks.
Bald eagles are an important part of the North American ecosystem. They help to keep populations of fish, small mammals, and birds in check. They also help to clean up the environment by eating carrion.
Here are some additional facts about the lifespan of bald eagles:
- The oldest known bald eagle was a female named “Old Abe” who lived for 38 years.
- Bald eagles that live in captivity can live for even longer. The oldest known captive bald eagle was a male named “Chief” who lived for 54 years.
- The lifespan of a bald eagle is declining due to a number of factors, including habitat loss, climate change, and pollution.