Clinic treating bald eagle highlights threat of lead poisoning

An injured bald eagle found in Armstrong County is fighting for its life after being diagnosed with lead poisoning.

The bird, which is at least 20 years old according to its band,

captured by a state game official and taken to an animal rescue before being transferred to Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center in northwestern Pennsylvania.

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In a Facebook post, doctors at Tamarack are telling the bird’s story as a warning about the threat of lead poisoning to the state’s bald eagle population. Kiski, nicknamed for the township in which he was found, somehow ingested lead and is in “guarded” condition, the clinic said.

“Unfortunately, Tamarack has admitted two other adult Bald Eagles just this weekend with severe lead toxicity: a female from Cochranton and a male from Venango,” the clinic said. “Both passed away despite receiving chelation therapy.”

The clinic said a game commission deputy suspects the eagles inadvertently ate lead ammunition used to kill woodchucks. Hunters can use different ammunition or bury the remains of animals shot with lead rounds to help protect the birds, the clinic said.

Cox Media Group