POCAHONTAS COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Natural Resources Police Officers, with the assistance of Jo Santiago and Dylan Lewis with the U.S Forest Service International Programs, were able to successfully release a Bald Eagle that was found suffering from lead toxicity (poisoning) in Pocahontas County in January.
The adult eagle was treated and banded at the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia located in Morgantown, WV., and returned to the Upper Shavers Fork area of Randolph County for release on February 8, 2021.
Lead toxicity (or poisoning) occurs when eagles ingest lead, most likely while scavenging carcasses of other wildlife. When ingested, lead has detrimental effects on the nervous and reproductive systems of eagles. Eagles with lead poisoning may exhibit loss of balance, gasping, tremors, and impaired ability to fly.
Emaciation follows, and death can occur within 2-3 weeks after lead ingestion. This eagle was located with the assistance of observant landowners who found the eagle having an impaired ability to fly on their property.
Sgt. J.T Craig and Officer R.E. Hebb were able to capture the bird and take it for treatment.
