Much evidence of lead poisoning in eagles

In response to the Dec. 18 letter from Billie Joe Henthorn, “No evidence presented that lead is killing eagles”: While deer hunting near Elkader, I rescued a sick mature eagle. The Department of Natural Resources was called and the bird was transported to an animal hospital in Wisconsin. It was determined to have lead poisoning and transferred to the University of Minnesota Raptor Center for treatment.

Three eagles and a red tail hawk have been evaluated at the animal hospital in Wisconsin this deer season and all had high levels of lead poisoning. Two had to be euthanized. The eagles are eating deer remains left during hunting season. Lead is used in slugs and rifle shells, which when hitting bone scatters throughout the carcass. Lead poisoning in eagles has been documented since 1996 and wildlife rehabilitators noticed an increase since 2005. The U of M Raptor Center gets about 80 raptors in every year with lead poisoning.

There are legislative proposals to ban the use of lead ammo and fishing tackle. I hope Henthorn will research this topic and realize lead poisoning in our national bird is on the increase. Go to www.soarraptors.org for more information.

Loran Martensen

Cedar Rapids