Eagle watching getting dangerous

COEUR d'ALENE - The Idaho State Police says eagle watching is getting dangerous on Highway 97, and is calling on drivers and people on the roadside to be careful.

"This area is a high congestion of regular traffic and with the increase of vehicles just for watching the eagles it has become a hazardous situation," an ISP press release said.

The area from Interstate 90 south to milepost 93 has seen an increase in cars with people hoping to view the eagles feasting on spawning kokanee on the Lake Coeur d'Alene shoreline.

It has also become a business since the Bureau of Land Management and Idaho Fish and Game on Monday began "Eagle Watch" that continues through Jan. 1.

Staff from each agency are available with spotting scopes, informational brochures and "eagle expertise" at the Mineral Ridge boat launch and trailhead parking areas. These two prime viewing sites are open to the public and offer free parking from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day during eagle watch week.

It's expected to remain busy during this holiday week.

ISP said all vehicles and people in these areas, if stopped, have to be off the paved portion of the highway.

Any vehicles found parked on the pavement may be towed at the owner's expense, the release said.

Bald eagles returned to Lake Coeur d'Alene this year in strong numbers.

Carrie Hugo, Bureau of Land Management wildlife biologist, said Thursday she counted 237 eagles, - 204 adults and 33 immature.

Last at this time the peak count was 254 on Dec. 23.

"Eagle Watch" sites can be accessed by traveling east of Coeur d'Alene on Interstate 90 to exit 22 and then traveling south around Wolf Lodge Bay.

Higgens Point at the east end of Coeur d'Alene Lake Drive offers more parking and plenty of trails and beach areas. But viewing there has been limited because the eagles have tended to hang out more in the Beauty Bay area, thanks to abundant kokanee this year.