Bald Eagles Spotted in Union Beach

Union Beach, NJ - A pair of bald eagles has been spotted several times in the area, Union Beach police posted on Facebook this week.

The birds have taken up residence on the tower, the department wrote. New Jersey’s bald eagle population has been steadily increasing, with 161 pairs of bald eagles spotted in 2015 in the state, according to the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey. That’s up from just one single nest in the early 1980s.

The officers remind anyone who sees them to respect the animals. Although removed from the endangered species list in 1995, bald eagles are protected by federal law under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Bald eagles are extremely sensitive to humans, and if they detect you trying to approach their nest, even just to take pictures, they may abandon the nest.

“Visit this area and enjoy the sights, but please be careful and be respectful,” the department wrote.

Photo of the eagles at Natco Lake courtesy Union Beach Police.