PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota's Game, Fish and Parks Department will decide next month whether to remove the bald eagle from the state's list of endangered and threatened species.

The bird was taken off the federal list in 2007, though bald eagles are still federally protected. South Dakota biologists say the species has now recovered enough to also be removed from the state's list of threatened species.

The Rapid City Journal reports that there are an estimated 300 breeding bald eagles across the state.

A public hearing on a proposal to de-list the bald eagle is scheduled Aug. 6 in Aberdeen.

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