EAGLES ON THE KALAMAZOO RIVER
For the first time in 40 years bald eagles were born on the Kalamazoo River. The eagles haven't been born in this area due to pollution in the river. Scientist are continuing to monitor eagles on the river.
In May 1998, Chuck Mehne, a Kalamazoo veterinarian, found two young bald eagles born on the Kalamazoo River in Allegan County. The people of this community hope that in the future more bald eagles will breed and be born on the river because the river is being cleaned up.
When scientists monitor the eagles eggs, they look for pollution. They wear gloves so the mother eagle won't smell people on the eggs and desert them. They monitor the eagles so we know how pollution affects the eagles and their young. The use of DDT started polluting the river in the 1940's. DDT was banned in 1972, but scientist are still finding it in the eggs, nests,and the river. PCBs started to be used in 1955, and stopped being used in 1972.
Dr. Mehne thinks that by 2008 we could start swimming in the Kalamazoo River. I hope when I grow up and have kids there will be more wild life for them to enjoy on the Kalamazoo River.
Written by,Katlyn
February 1999
