Bald Eagle fighting for her life after being poisoned by lead bullets; Think Wild calls for action from hunting community

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Think Wild Animal Hospital is calling for awareness and more hunters to switch from lead ammunition, as a Bald Eagle fights for her life after suffering from lead poisoning. In 2024, more than 20 animals passed away at their hospital after suffering lead poisoning.

Right now a Bald Eagle is fighting for her life at Think Wild Animal Hospital after being poisoned by lead ammunition. But there is some good news - her lead levels are going down.

Think Wild got a call from a Redmond family that said a Bald Eagle in the backyard was acting unusual. The eagle likely ate from a carcass killed by a hunter using lead ammunition.

Lead poisoning kills nearly all animals it affects, but this eagle is tougher than most. Tests today showed her lead levels way down.

Think Wild says it had 20 animals died last year from lead poisoning. Their Executive Director Sally Compton encourages hunters to make the switch away from lead ammunition, "Unfortunately, the use of lead ammunition when it enters an animal, it can splinter. I think I've seen studies that say that just one lead bullet can splinter up to 112 inches away from the entry site".

Hunters often cite the cost of ammunition as the reason for using lead. Bullets that aren't made up of lead typically cost 3 times as much as lead ammunition. Sally has had good experiences working with hunters and believes it's all about awareness, "Hunters are typically one of the greatest conservationists. Hunters love fish and wildlife, and so I think the more that we can educate and make accessible opportunities for not using lead, the better".

The Problem Solvers are working on an in-depth story on lead ammunition, and why hunters do or don't use these types of bullets.

For now, Think Wild stresses it gets no government funding and relies on private donations. If you want to help out, visit their website.