They do not generally feed on chickens or other domestic livestock, but they will make use of available food sources. Because of its scavenger image, some people dislike the bald eagle. Other people do not care for powerful and aggressive birds. Still other people object merely on the grounds that it is a bird of prey, which kills other animals for food. Once an eagle spots a fish swimming or floating near the surface of the water, it approaches its prey in a shallow glide and snatches the fish out of the water with a quick swipe of its talons.
Eagles have a special locking mechanism for their talons.
When the open talons hit the prey, they instantly close and cannot be opened again until the eagle pushes down on a solid surface. Occasionally, bald eagles plunge into water while trying to catch a fish. The eagle can not fly again until it's out of the water, so it uses its large wings to swim. The eagle is a strong swimmer, but if the water is very cold, it may be overcome by hypothermia. The hunting area or home range patrolled by a bald eagle varies from 1,700 to 10,000 acres.