27-03-2025
‘Unusual surge in cases:' Bald eagles suffering from lead poisoning on Oregon coast
PORTLAND, Ore. () — An increasing number of bald eagles are suffering from lead poisoning in northwest Oregon, according to the Wildlife Center of the North Coast, located in Clatsop County.
'As spring arrives, the Wildlife Center of the North Coast has admitted three bald eagles in just a few weeks, an unusual surge in cases,' the WCNC said. 'While the center regularly treats bald eagles, receiving three in such a short period is not typical.'
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Two of the three eagles recently admitted to the center tested positive for lead exposure, the wildlife rehabilitation organization said. The cases highlight the ongoing threat lead bullets pose to predatory birds and scavengers. In one instance, a California condor hatched through the Yurok Tribe's Northern California Condor Restoration Program in January— three months after its release.
'Thanks to conservation efforts, bald eagle populations have rebounded, but lead poisoning remains a significant challenge,' the WCNC said. 'Eagles are exposed to lead when they ingest fragments of lead ammunition left behind in game animals or gut piles. Even tiny amounts of lead can cause neurological damage, weakness and death.'
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Although lead poisoning is treatable, the process is expensive. The WCNC is asking for donations to help pay for the cost of caring for Oregon's poisoned birds.
'Lead testing and chelation therapy, which removes lead from the bloodstream, are essential but costly averaging $2,000 per eagle,' the WCNC said. 'To help offset these expenses, WCNC invites the community to support this critical work. Your donation directly funds life-saving care for bald eagles and other wildlife in need.'
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