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A bald eagle on Lake Michigan (Deposit photo)
Lead poisoning is pervasive among bald eagles in Michigan, likely the result of lead they are ingesting from ammunition, as well as lead sinkers and fishing tackle left behind by hunters and anglers, the Detroit Free Press reports.reports.
Reporter Keith Matheny writes:
The Free Press spoke with five raptor rehabilitators from different parts of the state. All reported regularly encountering lead-contaminated eagles, sometimes at startling levels. An Eaton Rapids raptor rehabilitator had three bald eagles die from lead poisoning in her care within the last four weeks.
The DNR reported in 2023 that there were 900 breeding pairs of bald eagles (male and female), up from 359 pairs in 2000 and 83 in 1980. The eagle are protected by federal law from being hunted.
