Anchorage Debates Banning Eagle Feeding

0:00It's April 28, I'm Cory with the story. This is Anchorage News Today, driven by AI. In Anchorage, Alaska, flocks of bald eagles are swarming parks and neighborhoods because folks are feeding them scraps. The city assembly is pushing an ordinance to ban intentionally feeding wild animals, especially birds of prey, like eagles. First defense could hit you with a $250 fine, and repeats climb to $500 or more. These near a Chanch new Moldoon park have seen dozens of eagles and ravens gathering drawn by tossed food. One local small terrier under 20 pounds nearly got snatched by a diving eagle last fall, so now she packs mace for walks. The assembly plans of public hearing on the ban this Tuesday, backed by the mayor. People react differently, some snap photos for fun, but others worry about risks to pets and safety. Eating changes eagle behavior, spreads disease, and sparks conflicts, experts say. One regular feeder admitted he did it to steer birds from the landfills junk, but he

1:00just agreed with a laska fishing game to quit. Federally, feeding eagle sits in a gray area. It's discouraged, but not outright illegal unless it harms their survival. State rules are similar. Meanwhile, towns like Homer, Valdez, and Ketchikan already ban it, learning from cases like the famous eagle lady whose handouts created messes near, an airport. This push shows city stepping out where wildlife agencies can, and mean to keep eagles wild and folks safe. The hearing could seal the deal soon.