Eagle handler Jerry Knabe shows off one of three bald eagles used to educate the public at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minn., along the banks of the Mississippi. Knabe shares the story of one volunteer’s encounter with an eagle named Angel as he shows off the bird’s extremely sharp-looking talons.

With the help of preservation programs, the Bald Eagle has made a dramatic comeback in recent years and has since been taken off the endangered species list. The National Eagle Center is open seven days a week. Visitors can watch feedings and learn about the history of this national bird.

Read more about how Minnesota’s bald eagles played a part in the inauguration of President Obama.