Since the beginning of 2011 The Wildlife Center of Virginia has admitted 29 bald eagles, four of these showed signs of lead toxicity, and another 14 had measurable levels of lead. High lead levels leave birds lethargic, unable to stand, with poor muscle control and can cause death as in the case of this Caroline County Bald Eagle. 

The Wildlife Center is urging hunters to take steps to curb lead poisoning of Virginia wildlife. Lead ammunition used for hunting can easily find its way into the diet of eagles and other scavenger birds. Learn more about lead, hunting and wildlife in Virginia in this recent post by The Wildlife Center of Virginia. Their work is also highlighted in this news video.

This report of lead poisoning of eagles in Virginia shows that findings from our lead in wildlife study in Northwest Wyoming is not isolated. At a national level hunters switching from lead ammunition to lead alternatives like copper ammunition will help wildlife in Wyoming and Virginia alike.