Bald eagle unable to fly found in Missouri. Lead was in its blood, officials say

A bald eagle found unable to fly in Missouri has since been hospitalized as wildlife experts treat it for lead poisoning.

Ozark Region Protection Capt. Gerald Smith was called to help after a landowner found the bird and reported it could not fly, according to a post from the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The eagle was safely captured, and officials say there were no signs of any injuries preventing it from taking flight.

Officials say Smith called Springfield’s Dickerson Park Zoo’s Animal Hospital and monitored the eagle for a day before it was hospitalized. Prior to hospitalization, Smith took the caged bird to a West Plains school and gave an educational presentation to third and fourth grade students.

Once the bird was hospitalized, a blood test confirmed the bald eagle has lead poisoning, and the bird is undergoing treatment, according to the post.

In a Facebook comment, the Missouri Department of Conservation says the bald eagle was “most likely” poisoned by eating a rabbit or other animal that had been shot with lead ammunition.

“Eagles and waterfowl are the animals most commonly affected by lead ingestion,” according to the state department. “Lead poisoning has also been noted in small mammals, likely from the ingestion of lead contaminated prey. Symptoms of lead poisoning may include weakness, drooping wings, inability to fly, and green, watery diarrhea.”

This story was originally published January 28, 2022 at 3:21 PM with the headline "Bald eagle unable to fly found in Missouri. Lead was in its blood, officials say."