Two Eagles Brought In For Care In Minnesota For Preventable Injuries Caused By Humans
An animal rehabilitation group posted a plea on social media for people to share important information about bald eagles. Two bald eagles came into Wildwoods Rehabilitation Center in Duluth, Minnesota that needed help. They say in both cases these injuries could have been prevented.
The first, and most common issue was lead poisoning. Bald eagles ingest lead that's found in the wild, likely from lead ammunition. Wildwoods said that the first eagle that came in showed signs of being "depressed." That's why his head is down in the photo and he doesn't struggle when being held. Also, the eagle had green tail feathers, which means they were stained by mucus that appears with lead poisoning.
Wildwoods sent him off to The Raptor Center for further care.
Next, another eagle came into Wildwoods after being hit by a car. The eagle was in good shape before the accident, meaning a good body weight and was otherwise healthy. They say he would have lived a full life if it wasn't for what they called a preventable tragedy.
They urge drivers to slow down and look out for eagles, turkey vultures, or crow when they are on the side of the road scavenging road kills. They remind you that you'll spook the bird and they need room to take flight. A few seconds of your day means nothing, but everything to these animals.
Sadly, the eagle that was hit by the car needed to be euthanized because the injuries were too extensive.