A bald eagle found suffering from severe lead poisoning has died, the Wisconsin Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center announced Tuesday.
Esteban Salamanca spotted the eagle hopping through his neighbor’s yard last week. He became concerned when the bird was still there after he got ready for bed.
The humane society sent two licensed wildlife rehabilitators, who noticed that the eagle was having trouble breathing. Lab tests later confirmed severe lead poisoning.
X-rays showed that the eagle had swallowed fragments of a manufactured object, the humane society said. Staff members could not identify the fragments, but said they may have come from fishing tackle or ammunition.
“It’s a good reminder that leaving spent ammunition or tackle in the environment can have unintended and devastating consequences for wild animals,” the humane society said.