COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio’s bald eagle population continues to grow, with Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties contributing to the statewide total of 964 active nests confirmed in the 2025 census. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife reported that eagle nests were confirmed in 87 of the state’s 88 counties, the most comprehensive count to date.
Trumbull County recorded 29 active nests, ranking among the highest in the state. Mahoning County reported eight active nests, up slightly from seven in 2020, while Columbiana County documented seven nests, an increase from four in 2020.
Statewide, the number of active bald eagle nests rose 36% from the last complete census in 2020, when officials confirmed 707 active nests. The highest numbers were reported near Lake Erie and large waterbodies, where food sources such as fish are plentiful. Ottawa County led the state with 112 nests, followed by Sandusky with 61 and Erie with 40.
ODNR officials attribute the eagle’s growth to habitat preservation and public engagement. More than 1,800 reports from citizen scientists helped locate nests, with Division of Wildlife staff verifying the data.
Bald eagle nesting success remained strong in 2025. An aerial survey showed a 78% success rate, meaning a large portion of nests contained eggs or eaglets. The average number of eaglets per active nest was 1.3.
The bald eagle was once endangered in Ohio, with only four nesting pairs in 1979. Through conservation efforts, the eagle was removed from the federal endangered species list in 2007 and from Ohio’s list in 2012. Eagles remain protected under state law and the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Counties with abundant wetlands, rivers and lakes continue to support the state’s largest eagle populations. Conservation efforts are supported by specialty license plate sales, tax donation check-offs and wildlife stamp purchases.