Bald eagle found in Milwaukee treated for severe lead poisoning
By Denise Craig
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MILWAUKEE (WISN) — A bald eagle found suffering from lead poisoning is now in the care of the Wisconsin Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Esteban Salamanca was returning home from a World Series watch party last week when he found the eagle hopping through his neighbor’s yard. He became concerned when the eagle was still there after he got ready for bed.
“Kind of weird to have an eagle there,” Salamanca said. “We have a lot of, I don’t want to say big animals, but animals coming through the yard. So, I’m like I’ve got to get this eagle out of here. Something’s going to happen to it. I’d feel bad if I didn’t. So, I just figured call the humane society and we just did that.”
The WHS sent out two licensed rehabilitators who quickly noticed clear signs of respiratory distress in the bird.
“His lead test results were so high that the machine couldn’t even display a number,” the humane society said in a news release. “This poor bird was suffering from severe lead poisoning.”
According to the humane society, X-rays revealed two or three tiny metallic pieces in the eagle’s stomach, indicating he had consumed fragments of a manufactured object. Although staff members can’t precisely identify the pieces, fishing tackle and ammunition are among the likely culprits.
“It’s a good reminder that leaving spent ammunition or tackle in the environment can have unintended and devastating consequences for wild animals,” the humane society said.
Staff members said they have seen “some promising signs of improvement” over the past few days. While the eagle is slowly getting stronger and more alert, they stressed that he remains in critical condition.
“It’s far too early to tell how he’ll do, and his prognosis is heavily guarded, but we’re doing all we can in hopes of a recovery,” said Alyssa Baumann, a wildlife rehabilitator.
The Wisconsin Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is Milwaukee County’s only licensed facility to care for injured and orphaned native wild animals. They do not receive any government funding and rely on the support of the community to fund their life-saving work. To make a contribution to the Bald Eagle’s medical care, visit the WHS website or call 414-431-6119.
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