Lead is a neurotoxin that even in low doses impairs an eagle’s balance and stamina, reducing its ability to fly, hunt and reproduce.
Bald eagles are one of America’s most celebrated conservation success stories, and the birds were removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List in 2007.
Previous studies have shown high lead exposure in specific regions, but not across the country. The blood samples from live eagles in the new study were taken from birds trapped and studied for other reasons; the bone, feather and liver samples came from eagles killed by collisions with vehicles or powerlines, or other misfortunes.
During these months, eagles scavenge on carcasses and gut piles left by hunters, which are often riddled with shards of lead shot or bullet fragments. Lead ammunition for waterfowl hunting was banned in 1991, due to concerns about contamination of waterways, and wildlife authorities encouraged the use of nontoxic steel shot. However, lead ammunition is still common for upland bird hunting and big game hunting.
Eagles with relatively low levels can be treated, she said, but those with high exposure can't be saved.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Nearly half of US bald eagles suffer lead poisoning, study indicatesAmerica’s national bird is more beleaguered than previously believed, with nearly half of bald eagles tested across the U.S. showing signs of chronic lead exposure, according to a study published Thursday
Read more »
Most U.S. eagles suffer from lead poisoning, study suggestsThe primary source of exposure is ammunition—as eagles scavenge on the carcasses of animals shot by hunters, they can ingest lead fragments from rifle rounds and shotgun pellets
Read more »
In photos: U.S. men's freeski slopestyle medalists lead Winter Olympics Day 12 highlightsPHOTOS: U.S. men's freeski slopestyle medalists lead Winter Olympics Day 12 highlights
Read more »
No lead is safe for Tom Thibodeau’s reeling KnicksFor the third time in 11 days, the Knicks grew a lead of 20 or more points. For the third time in 11 days, the Knicks blew a a lead of 20 or more points.
Read more »
Alaska state agency, miners spending nearly $60M on Ambler Road and prospects this yearThe Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority is now pushing for a final investment decision on the 211-mile Ambler Road in 2024 after nearly a decade of studying and debating the industrial access route.
Read more »