A record number of bald eagles have been counted on Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Wildlife biologists with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management counted 372 eagles this week – 58 more than a week ago and 99 more than the previous record set six years ago.
The birds flock to the Wolf Lodge Bay area to hunt for spawning kokanee.
While it’s not known for sure why so many eagles have gathered on the lake this year, biologists say early cold temperature in Canada may have pushed the bald eagles south sooner than normal, as frozen lakes make it hard for the birds to hunt for fish.
Last year’s peak eagle congregation was 260. (Spokeman-Review)
