Gun Owners/Hunters: Lead Shot Causes Lead Poisoning To Birds

PENDLETON -- In April, a golden eagle was brought to Blue Mountain Wildlife, a raptor rehabilitation center in Pendleton. Center director Lynn Tompkins said the bird was suffering from classic symptoms of lead poisoning.

The poisoning caused nerve dysfunction to such a degree that the eagle clenched its talons and couldn't unclench them. They were so tightly contracted the bird was walking around on his knuckles, Tompkins said.
In addition, the eagle was emaciated because poor muscle control prevented hunting.

Tompkins took the eagle to Pendleton Veterinary Clinic where a lead toxicity test was done. The eagle had a lead level of 66.4 micrograms per deciliter. A normal level is less than 6 micrograms per deciliter.

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