The Week in Review
It was a week that exemplified how humans can negatively impact the natural world. There were collisions with cars, windows and a wind turbine, a cat attack, an electrocution, three gunshot birds and a lead poisoned bald eagle. A Western Screech Owl survived a collision with either a car or window and a Mourning Dove survived an encounter with a hawk and window. The remaining birds either died or had to be euthanized.
Red-tailed Hawk 22-080
A Red-tailed Hawk found in Yakima had damage to his left eye and skull from a gunshot injury. The injuries were not repairable and he was euthanized.
Common Raven 22-081
A Common Raven in Hermiston had a badly damaged left eye. Necropsy determined he had been shot. A projectile had entered on the right side of the skull and exited on the left side.
Bald Eagle 22-083
An immature Bald Eagle was found near Enterprise, OR. A radiograph showed the eagle had been shot. The damage was not repairable and the eagle was euthanized.
Bald Eagle 22-085
The week ended with the admission of a Bald Eagle. It had one of the highest lead levels we have ever measured. Twenty micrograms per deciliter is considered a toxic level of lead. The eagle’s lead level was 975 mcg/dl. Although we immediately started chelation therapy, the eagle died within 24 hours.
We know lead is toxic. We don’t want it in our water. We shouldn’t want it in our food. Nonlead ammunition is widely available now. It may be slightly more expensive per box than lead ammunition, but if you look at the total cost in the form of secondary poisoning to wildlife and humans, nonlead ammunition is by far the best choice. For more information about Hunting Lead Free click here.
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