Bald Eagles Across The U.S. Are Dying Of Lead Poisoning

Bald Eagles Across The U.S. Are Dying Of Lead Poisoning

Thomas Nelson
September 21, 2023
Animals, Nature, News
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The American Bald Eagle has been the national symbol of freedom for the United States since it was designated the national bird in 1782, but nearly 240 years later, bald eagles are being found dead across the United States from lead poisonings.

Bald eagles are a large bird of prey that can be found throughout North America. They have a massive wingspan of 7 feet but, despite their massive size, typically weigh, at most, 14 pounds.

Bald eagles are considered ‘fish eagles’ because their main source of food is fish. They also eat other birds, rabbits, reptiles, amphibians, and other animals. Experts believe that this is how the eagles are being exposed to lead.

Dr. Joni Shimp, the executive director of The Cape Fear Raptor Center in North Carolina, told CNN that between November 2019 and February 2020, 80% of the eagles euthanized at their facility had to be put down due to lead poisoning.

Hunting is likely to blame

Lead found in the bullets of hunters, who tend to hunt larger game like deer, poison the meat of the deer. Once the lead enters the gastrointestinal tract, it becomes toxic. If the deer runs and can’t be recovered by the hunter, it typically will die and be consumed by scavengers – like the bald eagle.

“Hunters in no way, shape or form intentionally try to kill an eagle, vulture or any other species,” Dr. Shimp told CNN. “If the deer isn’t killed immediately and runs and the hunter can’t find the deer, the eagles and vultures find it and ingest the lead.”

Dr. Shimp says that lead poisoning causes eagles a “lack of judgement when flying across roadways, the inability to take flight quickly resulting in being hit by cars, seizures and death.”

“It’s an overall US problem. The lead poisoning increases during deer season but we see it all year,” she said. “Sometimes it’s chronic low-grade exposure over time that also brings them down.”

Dr. Shimp believes that the best solution for this problem is to educate hunters on the importance of using non-lead ammunition, and choosing copper bullets instead. They are harder to find and more expensive, but they eliminate the likelihood of unintentionally harming the symbol of freedom and patriotism of the United States.

“We need to target the big chain stores and get them to carry copper bullets,” Shimp said. “Then I can set up education days at these stores, with a vulture, red tail (hawk) or eagle and show the hunters and point them to the copper ammo. Then we can start to win this war … the war on lead, not on hunters.”

Once endangered, bald eagles could be again

The conservation of the American Bald Eagle is one of the greatest accomplishments of the Endangered Species Act. During the 1960s and 1970s, bald eagle numbers began to drop at an alarming pace due to effects of the pesticide DDT. In 2007, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the bald eagle from the federal endangered species list.

It is not clear that lead bullets pose an existential threat to bald eagles, but the balance of life on earth is so delicate, any species once endangered most certainly could be again. It is important that we take steps to preserve species like the bald eagle.

How you can help save bald eagles and other raptors

Even if you aren’t a hunter, there are things you can do to protect these majestic birds! Here are some down-to-earth steps you can take to make a difference:

Support Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers: In your area, there may be wildlife rehabilitation centers that care for injured raptors. They can always use volunteers and donations to help nurse these birds back to health.
Spread Awareness: Knowledge is a potent tool for conservation. Share your love for raptors with others. Educate your friends, family, and community about the importance of these birds in our ecosystem.
Responsible Birdwatching: If you’re an avid birdwatcher, remember to observe raptors from a safe distance. Keep your binoculars handy, but avoid disturbing nesting sites or getting too close to their territories.
Support Habitat Conservation: One of the best ways to help raptors is to protect their natural habitats. Get involved in local conservation efforts or donate to organizations dedicated to preserving wilderness areas.
Advocate for Legislation: Stay informed about the laws and regulations regarding raptor protection. Support or advocate for policies that safeguard these birds and their environments.
Prevent Lead Poisoning: Lead poisoning is a significant threat to raptors. Encourage the use of non-lead ammunition in hunting and fishing, which reduces the risk of these birds ingesting toxic lead fragments.
Report Injured Raptors: If you come across an injured or distressed raptor, contact your local wildlife authorities or rehabilitators immediately. Do not attempt to handle them yourself, as they can be dangerous when injured.
Participate in Citizen Science: Join citizen science programs that focus on raptor monitoring and research. Your observations can contribute valuable data to scientists working to protect these species.
Support Conservation Organizations: Many organizations, such as the Raptor Trust and the Peregrine Fund, are dedicated to raptor conservation. Consider donating to or volunteering with these groups.
Practice Responsible Pest Control: If you’re a gardener, opt for eco-friendly pest control methods to avoid harming the small mammals and birds that raptors rely on for food.

Remember, it’s all about coexisting harmoniously with these magnificent birds. By taking these steps, you’re not only helping raptors but also playing your part in preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystems. So, let’s spread our wings and protect these sky-bound wonders together!