<P> The average lifespan of bald eagles in the wild is around 20 years , with the oldest confirmed one having been 38 years of age . In captivity , they often live somewhat longer . In one instance , a captive individual in New York lived for nearly 50 years . As with size , the average lifespan of an eagle population appears to be influenced by its location and access to prey . As they are no longer heavily persecuted , adult mortality is quite low . In one study of Florida eagles , adult bald eagles reportedly had 100 % annual survival rate . In Prince William Sound in Alaska , adults had an annual survival rate of 88 % even after the Exxon Valdez oil spill adversely affected eagles in the area . Of 1,428 individuals from across the range necropsied by National Wildlife Health Center from 1963 to 1984 , 329 ( 23 % ) eagles died from trauma , primarily impact with wires and vehicles ; 309 ( 22 % ) died from gunshot ; 158 ( 11 % ) died from poisoning ; 130 ( 9 % ) died from electrocution ; 68 ( 5 % ) died from trapping ; 110 ( 8 % ) from emaciation ; and 31 ( 2 % ) from disease ; cause of death was undetermined in 293 ( 20 % ) of cases . In this study , 68 % of mortality was human - caused . Today eagle - shooting is believed to be considerably reduced due to the species protected status . In one case , an adult eagle investigating a peregrine falcon nest for prey items sustained a concussion from a swooping parent peregrine , and ultimately died days later from it . An early natural history video depicting a cougar ( Puma concolor ) ambushing and killing an immature bald eagle feeding at a rabbit carcass is viewable online although this film may have been staged . </P>
<P> The average lifespan of bald eagles in the wild is around 20 years , with the oldest confirmed one having been 38 years of age . In captivity , they often live somewhat longer . In one instance , a captive individual in New York lived for nearly 50 years . As with size , the average lifespan of an eagle population appears to be influenced by its location and access to prey . As they are no longer heavily persecuted , adult mortality is quite low . In one study of Florida eagles , adult bald eagles reportedly had 100 % annual survival rate . In Prince William Sound in Alaska , adults had an annual survival rate of 88 % even after the Exxon Valdez oil spill adversely affected eagles in the area . Of 1,428 individuals from across the range necropsied by National Wildlife Health Center from 1963 to 1984 , 329 ( 23 % ) eagles died from trauma , primarily impact with wires and vehicles ; 309 ( 22 % ) died from gunshot ; 158 ( 11 % ) died from poisoning ; 130 ( 9 % ) died from electrocution ; 68 ( 5 % ) died from trapping ; 110 ( 8 % ) from emaciation ; and 31 ( 2 % ) from disease ; cause of death was undetermined in 293 ( 20 % ) of cases . In this study , 68 % of mortality was human - caused . Today eagle - shooting is believed to be considerably reduced due to the species protected status . In one case , an adult eagle investigating a peregrine falcon nest for prey items sustained a concussion from a swooping parent peregrine , and ultimately died days later from it . An early natural history video depicting a cougar ( Puma concolor ) ambushing and killing an immature bald eagle feeding at a rabbit carcass is viewable online although this film may have been staged . </P>
how many years can a bald eagle live
how many years can a bald eagle live
a captive individual in New York lived for nearly 50 years
a captive individual in New York lived for nearly 50 years