Bald Eagle Jackie Stays Critical With Severe Anemia as Tests Probe Lead, Rodenticide Exposure
Updated
Updated · KABC-TV · Jul 24
Bald Eagle Jackie Stays Critical With Severe Anemia as Tests Probe Lead, Rodenticide Exposure
3 articles · Updated · KABC-TV · Jul 24
Summary
Ojai Raptor Center said Jackie remains in very serious condition, alert and eating but suffering severe anemia and kidney inflammation, with vets saying it is still too early to predict the outcome.
Tests are focusing on zinc, rodenticides and lead after experts said Jackie was likely already ill before last week's fight with two younger eagles; X-rays found no hooks, sinkers or other metal objects.
Shadow is still feeding and protecting Sandy and Luna at the Big Bear nest, and Friends of Big Bear Valley said experts do not expect him to seek a new mate until late December or early January.
Wildlife biologists said Jackie could still return to reclaim her nest, but environmental toxins remain a broad threat: about 50% of bald and golden eagles test positive for lead exposure and 89% for rodenticides.