Paws Up! To NPS staff, volunteers, and other wildlife agencies for their efforts in helping to bring back the peregrine falcon population in Harpers Ferry, WV.
August 6, 2021
For the first time since the 1950s, a peregrine falcon fledging has been spotted at Harpers Ferry Historic National Park. Peregrine falcon sightings became an oddity in the area by the mid-20th century due to reproductive failure caused by exposure to DDT, a carcinogenic pesticide. Although conservationists tried to reintroduce peregrine falcons to the area several times over the years, the birds usually left the area to nest elsewhere. In an effort to protect the falcons’ habitat, NPS restricts access to the cliffs at Maryland Heights between February and July each year.
Since 2015, sightings have become more frequent in the Maryland Heights area, just across the river from Harpers Ferry. Conservationists knew it was only a matter of time before they found successful nests. Now, hikers, tourists, and bird enthusiasts will have the chance to spot the first peregrine falcon fledging in Harpers Ferry in 70 years!
How can I promote the conservation of wildlife?
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle to protect wildlife habitat in the U.S. and abroad.
- Adopt a plant-based diet. Millions of acres of wildlife habitat are degraded in the U.S. and abroad to raise livestock for slaughter and crops to feed livestock prior to slaughter.
- Do not participate in sport hunting. Take shots only from your camera.
- Write your legislators to express your support for laws that protect wild animals and habitat.
- Live harmoniously with wild animals around your own home and when visiting public lands.
- Learn about invasive species – both plant and animal and do your part to stop their spread. Only plant native and non-invasive plants in your yard and garden.