CW: death, graphic photo

This Bald Eagle died within moments of intake due to severe blood loss, most likely caused by anticoagulant rodenticide. The eagle also had high lead levels.

This bird was found down without major injuries, but was losing blood through the mouth (coming up from the stomach) & passing melena (black feces containing digested blood) while showing areas of bleeding on the skin (which is often associated with anti-coagulant issues).

Rodenticides & lead are 2 common issues we see in raptors – especially those that scavenge. Avoid the use of lead-containing ammunition for hunting or shooting nuisance animals. When animals or gut piles are left in the field, our scavenger ingest this toxic metal.

Over 80% of our eagles, vultures, & opossums come in with elevated lead levels.

Use electric traps or “snap traps” to kill nuisance rodents as humanely as possible, or use humane no-kill traps legally (no relocating of trapped animals) while sealing up entry points.

Toxic heavy metals and anti-coagulants do not just disappear from the planet. They stay here, often hidden inside dead wildlife that other animals (including pets) will unknowingly ingest.

These poisons, which impact our health in addition to the health of our wildlife, pets, livestock, and environment are detrimental to us all. There is only #OneHealth.

As an extra point, check out these photos (& the following thread of photos) from a trail cam on deer remains left in the woods. As you can see, there are more animals than vultures - like foxes, a Red-tailed Hawk, & more. Carcasses with poison or lead in them are a hazard. https://twitter.com/petercoffey/status/1322229519923765249