this post was submitted on 21 Feb 2026
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The American mind cannot comprehend this. Probably due to neurological symptoms from lead poisoning or sth
Not sure if you're American or not but here's a question for you. These bald eagles are allegedly dying from lead poisoning from eating creatures shot by lead bullets/pellets. This must mean they are scavenging. Yes, I know bald eagles do that a lot but they also kill their own prey. So why aren't vultures dying of this lead poisoning. Vultures only scavenge so it should happen much more often.
Here's another thought. 80% of eagles brought into a clinic may be dying of lead poisoning but that 80% is part of a small number overall. Notice they never say how many eagles are brought in.
Here's another thought for you: When someone says such and such is the fastest growing demographic for such and such a thing, it could just mean that there were very few such incidences. 2 such incidences occurred when there used to be just one. WOW! Hundred percent increase? Such incidences have DOUBLED!
Don't let Rita Skeeter twist your thoughts. Get the whole story.
Ingestion of lead ammunition is the primary reason California Condors (obligate carrion eaters) almost became extinct, are still endangered, and aren't having the greatest success with being reintroduced.
As for bald eagles, they're lazy smart, if they see takeout just sitting there, they're not gonna make dinner from scratch.
Secondary reply: I don't know If I'd call bald eagles smart. When I drive by a road kill that has vultures and a bald eagle feasting at it, the vultures fly away from the road while the stupid eagle flies right in front of my car. I've nearly had them smash into my windshield several times. It is now my standard reaction to slow down if I see a bald eagle eating road kill. I don't worry about the vultures because they know what to do.
BTW, bald eagles were nearly driven extinct by DDT. We quit using that so bald eagles are now numerous enough that I have to brake to keep from hitting while they eat road kill despite the lead poisoning.
Not denying the condor thing. Still didn't answer the vulture thing. Yes, I know condors are a type of vulture but so are black vultures and turkey vultures which are more common than ever.
A lot of wildlife rehabs don't deal with the non-endangered or threatened birds. Several years ago a friend of mine found an injured bird of some sort and we called around trying to find help for it but all of the local rehabbers said if it wasn't a bald eagle they couldn't help. So because most vultures aren't endangered afaik, they just die and probably nobody is keeping track.
I couldn't tell you and I don't really care. Just jumping on the opportunity to mock gun culture