WAYNESBORO - An eagle suffering from lead poisoning likely became ill after ingesting buckshot.
Someone spotted the eagle falling to the ground on December 31 near the intersection of Butts Station Road and Centerville Turnpike in Chesapeake. It was recovered and taken to a wildlife rehabilitator for the night and then moved to The Wildlife Center of Virginia on New Year's Day. Chelation therapy started right away.
Center staff says the Bald Eagle had some buckshot in its GI tract.
"At this point, it seems that the lead shot was ingested. It was likely in some animal that the eagle was scavenging," explained Center spokesman Randy Huwa.
Vets hope to take xrays Wednesday to see how the eagle is doing now. For now, its prognosis is guarded; however, they're hopeful because the Bald Eagle has been eating several small meals of chopped mice each day.
