Eagles are being exposed to lead poisoning at an alarming rate, according to a study published earlier this year.
Eagles are being exposed to lead poisoning at an alarming rate, according to a study published earlier this year.
Jeff Cooper is a wildlife biologist with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources; he has coordinated Project Eagle for the state for 20 years.
During this time, he looked at lead exposure in bald and king eagles, and a few other raptor species.
A recent study he helped work on, published in February in the journal Science, has begun to explore the question nationwide.
“The most surprising thing is that I didn’t think the magnitude of chronic lead exposure was that great,” he said.
He said about half of the population of bald eagles and golden eagles across the country are exposed after eating the remains left behind during the hunting season. The effects on raptors are severe and can sometimes be fatal.
“It can have a surprise effect on their behavior and reaction time,” says Cooper.
The focus is now on educating people on how to minimize lead exposure when using copper ammunition. Another option is to clean up or bury the remains.
Fortunately, Cooper said there was no threat to their population, but that doesn’t mean change isn’t needed.
“Using lead-free ammunition will definitely reduce lead toxicosis significantly,” Cooper added.
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