American biologists have found signs of chronic lead poisoning in nearly half of the bald eagles tested. On Thursday, February 17, according to ABC News.
It is noted that a dangerous amount of toxic lead was found in the bones of 46% of 1210 bald eagles selected in 38 states from California to Florida for research. The birds were sampled between 2010 and 2018, while scientists studied the blood, bones, feathers and tissues of the eagles.
According to biologists, birds of prey regularly ate carrion or prey contaminated with lead from ammunition or fishing gear.
“For the first time for any species of wildlife, we were able to assess lead exposure and population-level impacts on a continental scale,” said study co-author Todd Katzner, a wildlife biologist at the USGS in Boise, Idaho.
As a neurotoxin, lead is reported to be capable of impairing the eagle’s endurance, reducing its ability to fly, hunt, and reproduce, even in small doses. In large doses, lead can cause convulsions, breathing difficulties and death.
Lead exposure has reduced the annual growth of the bald eagle population by 4%, the scientists added.
In August 2020, Michigan authorities reported that a bald eagle had shot down a $950 government hantom 4 Pro Advanced drone, the drone was completely destroyed. It was noted that the bird tore off the propeller of the drone, after which it began to lose altitude and fell into Lake Michigan. Several days of searching for the device did not end with success.
In 1782, the sea eagle was officially recognized as the national bird of the United States. However, the mass extermination of the predator, as well as human economic activity, caused the eagle to be listed as an endangered species in the United States. Later, in 2007, these birds were removed from the list due to the fact that the country banned a dangerous pesticide in 1972, and the eagles were no longer on the verge of extinction.
Source: IZ
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
