Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Bald Eagle

Why is this still allowed to poison our wildlife?

This adult Bald Eagle was brought to us through the combined efforts of Loudoun County Animal Services and Kristi’s Caring Hands Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education after it was found struggling to fly.

Upon examination, the eagle showed no major injuries—just a few superficial foot wounds. However, the underlying problem was far more serious: a blood lead level of 49 micrograms per deciliter.

There is no “safe” level of lead in the body. Even at small amounts, lead wreaks havoc internally, causing neurologic issues, seizures, delayed reaction times, organ failure, gastrointestinal problems, and even death.

We suspect this eagle’s subdued demeanor was directly caused by lead poisoning, and we have begun chelation therapy to remove this toxic metal from its system.

A Widespread Problem That Shouldn’t Exist

Lead has been banned from paint, gasoline, and household items due to its known health risks—so why do we still allow it to poison our wildlife?

Sadly, this case is not uncommon. More than 90% of adult eagles brought to our center have traces of lead in their systems.

While trauma remains the primary reason for eagle admissions, even low levels of lead compromise their ability to navigate, hunt, and react quickly, leaving them vulnerable to vehicle collisions and other life-threatening dangers.

Comparison of lead bullet (top) vs. nonlead bullet (bottom) when fired into gelatin. @The Peregrine Fund

How does lead get into their systems?

Wildlife, including eagles, often ingest lead fragments when they scavenge on carcasses left in the wild. Many hunters don’t realize that lead bullets fragment into tiny pieces—some no larger than a grain of rice—that can spread up to 18 inches away from the wound channel. Eagles, being opportunistic scavengers, see a fresh carcass as an easy meal.

Bald Eagle consuming a gut pile @r/birdsofprey 2020

During hunting season, cases of lead poisoning spike as gut piles (the remains of hunted animals) become unintended traps, poisoning wildlife that consume them. What’s more, hunters and their families who eat contaminated venison can unknowingly ingest lead, putting their own health at risk.

How You Can Help

If you’re a hunter, you can make a life-saving difference:

• Make the switch to non-lead ammunition. Lead-free options are safer for wildlife, the environment, and your family.
• Be mindful of past lead contamination. Radiographs of donated venison show that even deer shot with non-lead ammunition may still contain old lead fragments from previous hunting attempts.

Not a hunter? Share this message with your friends, family, and community. By spreading awareness, you can help prevent lead poisoning at its source and advocate for efforts to limit the use of lead ammunition.

Help Us Protect Wildlife Before the Year Ends

The care this Bald Eagle receives is only possible because of generous supporters like you. As we near the end of the year, your contributions help us continue to save wildlife, educate the public, and fight preventable issues like lead poisoning.

Your support today can help us give eagles like this one a second chance at life.