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EDES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is looking for people to "adopt" bald eagles.

Officials say there's been an exponential growth of bald eagles over the years and experts with the agency are having a hard time monitoring the expansion and success of nests. To help out, the agency is looking for people to officially monitor one of the 54 selected nests.

Stephanie Shepherd is a wildlife biologist with the agency. She says the agency hopes to get a better handle on Iowa's eagle
nesting success.

In 1977, Iowa had just one bald eagle nest. Now there are more than 250. Biologists say the ban of certain pesticides in the 1970s has helped. Eagles nest in 86 of Iowa's 99 counties.

Click here for more information on the eagle adoption program

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