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Firefighters taking on the massive San Gabriel Complex Fire have been ordered to stay away from a 1,000-foot radius surrounding a baby bald eagle's nest.
The hatchling's nest is not in danger from the fire, but U.S. Forest Service wildlife biologist Ann Berkley says that the concern is that the loud noises and turbulence from firefighting helicopters could startle him, the L.A. Times reports.
"We don't want to startle him out of the nest because it would be very detrimental to his survival," she said.
While bald eagles are not on the endangered species list anymore, they are still protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Passed in 1940, this law states that you cannot kill, harm, capture or bother bald or golden eagles. The baby is about 10 to 12 weeks old and was first spotted in April by bird watchers. It's rare for bald eagles to take root in this particular area.
The Bald Eagle Family that lives in San Gabriel Canyon is all accounted for and safe. #SanGabrielComplex pic.twitter.com/EiO15Zsiw9
— Angeles National Forest (@Angeles_NF) June 23, 2016
The San Gabriel Complex Fire consists of two fires less than two miles apart. So far, they have burned through close to 5,000 acres. As of Wednesday night, they were about 15% contained, ABC 7 reports.
And now, here are some baby eagles:
