Bald eagles often hide on telephone poles and traffic lights, watching for potential victims and swooping down, littering trash cans, stealing grocery bags. They also spend much of their time waiting for fishing boats to return from the day’s catch.
Located far out in the Aleutian Islands, this fishing town has some 4,700 processing plants, more fish than any other port in the country. And fish is a staple food for bald eagles. So during fishing season, hundreds of eagles scavenge and nest in the area, much to the annoyance of the locals. The eagles are fiercely protective of their nests, and any threat that appears from afar is fiercely attacked.
Lt. Andres Ayures - US Coast Guard member receives badge after being attacked by a bald eagle
Lt. Andres Ayures is a member of the U.S. Coast Guard. On his third day of duty in Unalaska, he was chased down a mountainside by a bald eagle. The eagle repeatedly attacked Lt. Andres Ayures, ripping his cap off his head and pushing him to the ground. It even took his phone, which had fallen out of his pocket.
Every year, dozens of people are brought to the hospital with major injuries.
But that’s what makes Unalaska such a great place to see an American icon. Locals call them Dutch Harbor pigeons, because they’re found mostly around the harbors. They also congregate around the town dump, where they can find some food. When fresh fish aren’t available, they’ll eat any meat available, including ducks, squirrels, rats, and human leftovers.
