COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A trio of species that were once a rare sight in Ohio are making a comeback.
Bald eagles, bobcats and black bears are all seeing their populations rise in the Buckeye State, according to data from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
Bald eagle nest census shows soaring population
The ODNR’s Division of Wildlife conducted a bald eagle nest census earlier this month, tallying the number of active nests – defined as having eggs, eaglets or an incubating eagle present – in the state.
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The 2025 census confirmed the presence of 964 nests across 87 of Ohio’s 88 counties. This represents a 36% increase from the 707 nests counted in the last statewide census in 2020.
Ottawa County saw the highest number of nests, with 112, followed by Sandusky County (61), Erie County (40), Seneca County (36) and Wyandot County (31). The counties with the most nests, unsurprisingly, all have abundant wetlands or rivers, as bald eagles primarily eat fish…