Bald eagle population in Massachusetts continues to grow

December 03, 2018 11:00 pm • Last Updated: December 03, 2018 11:39 pm

An adult bald eagle takes off from its perch in a tree on River Road on the Groton side of the Mystic River Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. Bald eagles are frequently seen around the region during the winter months. Elsewhere in New England, Massachusetts wildlife officials say the number of bald eagles there continues to grow. The state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife announced Monday it had identified 76 territorial pairs of bald eagles this year, up from 68 pairs last year and 59 seen in 2016. (Sean D. Elliot/The Day)
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WESTBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — State wildlife officials say the number of bald eagles in Massachusetts continues to grow.

The state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife announced Monday it had identified 76 territorial pairs of bald eagles this year, up from 68 pairs last year and 59 seen in 2016.

This year's eagles fledged 65 chicks.

Wildlife officials say there are probably more eagles because not every nest has been documented.

Bald eagles disappeared from Massachusetts in the early 1900s.

The state re-introduced the birds of prey to the Quabbin Reservoir in 1982 and they can now be found from the Berkshires to Cape Cod.

The bald eagle is the largest raptor in Massachusetts, with a wing span of up to 7 feet and a weight of up to 15 pounds.

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