NY town cancels fireworks over concerns for bald eagles

NARROWSBURG, N.Y. — Concerns over the welfare of bald eagles have led an upstate New York community to cancel its longtime July Fourth fireworks display.

The hamlet of Narrowsburg, on the Pennsylvania border in southeastern New York, bills itself as the state’s “bald eagle capital.” It hosts an annual EagleFest to celebrate the eagles that nest along the Delaware River.

Narrowsburg also hosts an annual July Fourth celebration, capped by fireworks sponsored by the local fire department.

The Times-Herald Record of Middletown reports that last year, some baby eagles left their nest, possibly startled by the pyrotechnics.

Now, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department says the fire department could be liable for thousands of dollars in fines if eagles are harmed.

As a result, Wednesday night’s fireworks show was canceled.