Bald Eagle Protection

PILOTS . . . You can help protect an Arizona treasure Private planes and helicopters are the most common human activities in bald eagle breeding areas of Arizona. They account for nearly 40% of all human activity, and 25% of the bald eagle's significant responses during a breeding season. With your help, we can protect an Arizona treasure ~ the bald eagle in Arizona.
Why should I avoid bald eagle breeding areas? Repeated disturbance can cause disruption of normal bald eagle courtship/breeding behavior or consistent incubation temperature. Low flying aircraft could flush adult bald eagles from the nests causing the eggs to break, or flush nestlings from the nest before being able to fly. Increased potential for mid-air strikes by flushing bald eagles. If your actions were found to affect breeding bald eagles, you could be subject to thousands of dollars in fines and possibly prison time. Aircraft Identification Numbers are reported to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service if they are below the 2000 foot AGL advisory or cause a disturbance to the breeding attempt. Who is monitoring the bald eagle breeding areas? The Southwestern Bald Eagle Management Committee is comprised of 22 federal, state, and local agencies, Native American Tribes, and private organizations. The Arizona Game and Fish Department, acting on behalf of the Southwestern Bald Eagle Management Committee, contracts individuals to monitor bald eagle breeding areas statewide. They record all human activity within the breeding area including Low Flying Aircraft.
What laws protect the bald eagle? The Endangered Species Act The Migratory Bird Treaty Act The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act The Lacey Act The Airborne Hunting Act The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna Arizona Revised Statute Title 17
How can I help? Adhere to the airspace advisory in the Phoenix Aeronautical Chart and remain 2000 ft AGL above all bald eagle breeding areas. Stay 2000 feet AGL above, or 1/2 mile away, from any waterways to avoid flushing foraging or wintering bald eagles. Report any harassment of a bald eagle to the USFWS Law Enforcement at 480.967.7900 or AGFD's Operation Game Thief at 800.352.0700.