Bald Eagle Death In Wisconsin Likely Caused By Rodent Poison

WISCONSIN— Two eagles were taken into a rehab facility in Rhinelander after they were exposed to toxins from Rodenticides, the center said.

The eagles were admitted to Wild Instincts, at 4621 Apperson Dr., within several hours of each other, the facility said in a social media post.

One of the eagles died before staff could start an exam, according to the post.

Lead levels were low enough to not be the primary problem, the facility said. The eagles likely suffered from exposure to a toxin or poison — like the ones people use to control the mice in their garage or the chipmunks in their garden.

"Rodenticides are not selective. They kill more than just that mouse. And the poisons themselves have changed.

Many of the second-generation rodenticides are extremely fast-acting and have a narrow margin of safety. Not only is that a concern for wildlife, but for pets as well. Cholecalciferol, for instance, is one that has no specific antidote.

If you look closely at this photo, you can see his brood patch. That area on his abdomen that birds pluck the feathers away to reveal bare skin. This allows a warm area to help incubate eggs and warm chicks more efficiently.

Both the male and female eagles take turns with incubating. With this male now deceased, the likelihood of nest failure is greatly increased.

Poisons don't just kill a specific animal or even one species. Instead, they kill entire families of many different species," the post said.