The bald eagle, a symbol of American strength and freedom, has been a part of the country’s history since its founding. In 1782, Charles Thomson, a lesser-known Founding Father, designed the Great Seal of the United States, which features a bald eagle with talons full of arrows and olive branches.

A Symbol of American Resilience

Despite being a powerful symbol, the bald eagle was not always beloved by the American public. In fact, it was often seen as a nuisance and a threat to livestock. However, thanks to conservation efforts and the Endangered Species Act, the bald eagle has made a remarkable recovery, with its population growing from just 417 nesting pairs to over 300,000 today.

According to Jack E. Davis, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and environmental history professor at the University of Florida, the bald eagle is a symbol of American resilience and perseverance. “Yes, it’s a scavenger and fish robber, but we aren’t perfect ourselves,” Davis said. “And what does the bald eagle say about 2026: It’s proven to be a survivor, and so have we — so far.”

Other American Animals

While the bald eagle is an iconic American symbol, other animals have also been considered as the most American. The bison, for example, was once a dominant species in the Great Plains, with tens of millions of them roaming the continent. However, due to overhunting and habitat loss, the bison population was reduced to just a few hundred by the end of the 19th century.

Today, thanks to conservation efforts, the bison population has recovered, with over 45,000 of them living in the United States. The bison is also considered a symbol of American strength and resilience, and its recovery is a testament to the country’s ability to protect and preserve its natural resources.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.