The Peregrine Falcon is considered, by many, the fastest bird in the world and holds the current air speed record at 208 miles per hour. The decrease in numbers of Peregrines was noticed as early as the mid-1950s, coinciding with the increased use of the pesticide DDT. The combination of the banning of DDT in the United States in the early 1970s and an intensive reintroduction program has helped the slow increase of nesting Peregrines in the eastern U.S. Between 1987 and 1990 West Virginia released 53 young Peregrines at 4 cliff sites in 3 counties. Current difficulties for the Peregrine include illegal capture for falconry, changes in their food base due to habitat alteration, and being shot by humans.