A successful chapter, yes, but the story is still not over. Almost 25 years after the DDT ban, the eagle has yet to return to its pre-DDT population. Toxic chemicals continue to be found in their blood with many reports of deformed birds. As we push the eagles further out of their native roosts, they are often forced to live by polluted waterways. The effects of these long-lasting chemicals could haunt us for decades to come. In our immediate future, we face the issue of balancing America's growth and development with the bald eagles' need for a healthy habitat. The fight to protect our nation's symbol continues. Found only in North America, if we lose this battle, the bald eagle will be lost permanently. It is up to us to protect the land it soars over, the air it breathes, and the water it seeks. If we can not restore our national symbol to its former glory, how can we expect to protect the thousands of other plants and animals that need our support. The fight will not be over until we can come eye to eye with this awe-inspiring creature and not look away in shame.