More Deer Hunting Means More Lead Poisoning In Eagles, Raptor Center Says

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By John LauritsenJanuary 28, 2021 at 5:37 pmFiled Under:Deer HuntingEaglesJohn LauritsenLocal TVMinnesota DNRMinnesota Raptor Centerjavascript:false

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO)— More Minnesotans went deer hunting than previous years, which means more eagles had access to deer remains left behind.

As a result, The Raptor Center in St. Paul said they’ve been busy with eagles suffering from lead poisoning.

Lead-based ammunition is sometimes found in gut piles, and many eagles use those remains as a food source.

“Eighty-five to 90% of the eagles that come in have some amount of lead in their system,” said Dr. Julia Ponder.

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It’s a common diagnosis at The Raptor Center. From the beginning of deer hunting season through January, Ponder will see 30 or more eagles suffering from lead poisoning. Due to the brain…

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