Comment on FR Doc # 2011-16877

I favor the proposed amendment to allow captive propagation of bald and golden eagles in the U.S. Other indigenous raptors may be bred with the special propagation permit, and eagles should not be exempted. I have heard the concerns that an imprinted eagle is a safety concern, this has not proved to be true in other countries that allow for the captive propagation of these two species. The availability of the birds will enhance the public's understanding of the biology of these species. Should either species' populations become threatened as in the past, a captive stock could be used to provide new individuals back into the wild as was done with the peregrine falcon. There simply is no reason why eagles should be treated differently than other indigenous wildlife. Please approve the proposal to allow for the captive breeding of these two species.