Eagles are majestic birds of prey that can sometimes become problematic for homeowners and farmers. Their large size, sharp talons, and aggressive nature when defending territories or going after prey means that they need to be handled carefully when conflicts arise. However, there are some effective and humane ways to deter eagles from an area without harming them.
Why Might You Need to Scare Off Eagles?
Here are some common reasons why homeowners and farmers may need to scare eagles away:
- Eagles preying on livestock such as lambs, calves, or small pets
- Eagles scavenging trash and making a mess in residential areas
- Eagles nesting in inconvenient or problematic locations like near airports
- Eagles perching on rooftops and damaging materials
- Eagles posing a general nuisance or safety hazard
It’s important to remember that all eagle species are federally protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act in the United States. This means it is illegal to kill, harm, or even disturb eagles without a permit. Any deterrent methods used need to be non-lethal and temporary.
Types of Eagles
The two species of eagles most commonly encountered in North America are:
- Bald Eagle: Most widely distributed eagle in North America. Adults have white head and tail feathers.
- Golden Eagle: Slightly smaller than bald eagles. Adults are dark brown overall with golden feathers on the head and neck.
Knowing the species can help determine the most effective deterrent methods, as the two react differently to certain stimuli.
Passive Eagle Deterrent Methods
Here are some passive, non-harmful ways to scare off eagles or discourage them from frequenting an area:
Visual Repellents
- Scarecrows – Place traditional or automated moving scarecrows near nests or perches.
- Flash tape – Hang reflective Mylar tape on fences or trees to startle eagles.
- Fake Predators – Position decoy owls, falcons, or other predators to simulate a threat.
- Lasers – Use an infrared beam at night to annoy roosting eagles.
Audible Repellents
- Pyrotechnics – Set off fireworks, bird bombs, or other loud noises to scare off eagles.
- Banging Pots – Loud clanging will disturb eagles.
- Ultrasonic Devices – High-frequency sounds irritate and deter eagles.
- Radios – Play talk radio to overwhelm eagle communication.
Physical Barriers
- Netting – Cover ponds, coops, and other areas to block eagle access.
- Wire – String overhead wires or fencing to prevent perching and swooping.
- Spikes – Install rooftop spikes to stop perching.
- Habitat Modification – Remove tall perches and food sources.
Active Eagle Hazing Methods
If passive techniques don’t work, more active hazing may be necessary. This involves scaring off eagles by:
Vehicles
Driving ATVs, snowmobiles, boats or other vehicles towards nests or perches to flush out eagles.
Dogs
Allowing dogs to harass and chase off eagles. Very effective but dogs must be carefully controlled.
Pyrotechnics
Launching shells, rockets, bird bombs, or other loud projectiles at or near unwanted eagles to scare them off.
Lasers
Shining powerful lasers near roosting or perching eagles at night to disturb and annoy them.
Active hazing requires permits and oversight to be done legally and safely. It also carries more risks of truly harming eagles, so passive techniques are preferable if effective.
When and Where to Deter Eagles
Here are some tips on proper timing and location for scaring off eagles:
- During breeding season, stay away from active nests to avoid separating mates or impacting young.
- Avoid hazing in extremely cold weather when eagles are stressed.
- Haze at dusk or dawn when eagles are most active.
- Focus on problem nests and favorite perches/roosts.
- Be unpredictable by varying techniques and schedules.
Bald Eagles vs. Golden Eagles
Bald eagles are more skittish and easier to deter with visual or audible repellents. Golden eagles are bolder and may require more vigorous hazing. Know your species!
When to Call a Professional
If an eagle issue cannot be resolved with simple home remedies, it’s best to call in a professional wildlife control expert. They have specialized knowledge, permits, and access to more powerful tools for safely removing problematic eagles.
Risks of Improper Eagle Deterrents
Without proper precautions, amateur attempts to scare off eagles can backfire by:
- Injuring the eagles
- Disturbing or destroying nests
- Separating mates or orphaning young
- Causing eagles to abandon territory, only to have new ones take over
- Violating federal protection laws
So if an eagle problem gets severe, play it safe and hire an authorized professional.
Legal Protections for Eagles
As mentioned earlier, both bald and golden eagles receive legal protection in the U.S. under multiple federal laws:
- The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
- The Migratory Bird Treaty Act
- The Lacey Act
It is illegal to “take” eagles, including disturbing or destroying their nests and eggs. Civil and criminal penalties can result.
However, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can issue permits for certain deterrent actions like nest removal or harassment, but only after careful review.
So consult your state wildlife agency and the USFWS to check that any eagle hazing activities are compliant with the law. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Permit Application Tips
To improve your chances of getting approved for an eagle permit:
- Provide extensive documentation of all non-lethal methods tried before applying.
- Get written testimonials from neighbors, officials, or affected parties.
- Submit a detailed mitigation plan covering necessary actions if any eggs or young are impacted.
- Agree to rigorous monitoring and reporting requirements.
Conclusion
Properly scaring away problematic eagles takes knowledge, preparation, and caution. Avoid disturbing active nests, separate territorial pairs, and never harm or kill protected birds. Start with passive deterrents like visual or noise repellents and only escalate to more disruptive active hazing if necessary. Seek professional help and proper permits if issues continue or legal intervention becomes needed. With prudence and patience, eagles can be safely convinced to leave an area and prevent recurrent conflicts.
Summary of Eagle Deterrent Techniques
Here is a quick summary table of different options for scaring away eagles:
| Passive Methods | Active Hazing |
|---|---|
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to kill eagles?
Yes, killing or harming eagles is strictly prohibited under federal law and can result in fines up to $250,000 and imprisonment.
Do I need a permit to scare away eagles?
No permit is required for passive hazing techniques like visual repellents or noisemakers. But actively disturbing or relocating eagles or their nests requires proper permits.
What are the nesting seasons I should avoid?
Bald eagles nest from late fall through mid-summer with eggs hatching around March-April. Golden eagles nest from late winter through summer with eggs hatching in May-June.
How close can I get to an eagle nest?
Federal regulations prohibit approaching within 660 feet of a bald eagle nest and certain buffer zones exist around golden eagle nests as well.
What if hazing causes an eagle to abandon a nest?
Nests must be monitored for eggs or eaglets. If they are present, temporary restrictions will be placed to prevent impacts to young until they can fledge.
Can I shoot eagles with paintball guns or rubber bullets?
No, you may never directly strike or cause physical harm to eagles, even in a non-lethal manner. Only warning shots are permitted.
Is anti-perching spike strips legal for eagles?
Yes, non-damaging rooftop spike strips may be installed to deter perching without a federal permit.
