A female bald eagle is recovering at Red Creek Wildlife Center in Schuylkill County after being injured and suffering from lead poisoning.

Peggy Hentz, founder and owner of the center, said the 11-pound eagle dropped off Jan. 19 is “damaged all over,” and has “puncture wounds” in various areas.

Hentz said the eagle likely was in a territorial dispute with another eagle. The animal was taken to Radnor Veterinary Hospital, in Wayne, where X-rays were taken that “determined that it did not have any fractures, and the numerous punctures throughout its body was not from a gunshot,” Hentz said.

Damage to the left wing is noticeable by it drooping due to “severe swelling and pain,” she said, adding the right wing is also injured.

A lead test done at Red Creek found the eagle has a “moderate” amount lead poisoning. The eagle is receiving antibiotics, painkillers and is treated with calcium EDTA to eliminate the lead.

“We are hoping for a release. So far, its prognosis is looking good, but that could change at any point because its injuries are severe, and any time you are dealing with lead poisoning, things can go bad very quickly. But so far it is responding well,” Hentz said.

Hentz said once the eagle recovers enough it will be placed in the 100-foot flight enclosure to rebuild its strength to fly. The goal is to return it to the area near where it was found.

Game warden, family help eagle

Jared Turner, a state game warden with Montour and Northumberland counties, received a call about the eagle. Upon arriving, Turner saw the eagle sitting in an enclosed pasture in Montour County. It ran near a fence and took flight, landing in a field. Turner used a blanket from the Gonzales family, who called the game commission, that he threw over the bushes where the eagle was.

“It’s a good sign when they try to get away,” he said.

He estimated it took 15 minutes to capture the eagle, which went willingly.

The eagle was placed in a cage with a covering.

“She was quiet,” he said of the drive with the eagle.

Turner transported the eagle to Mark Catalano, with Wildlife In Need, who then took the eagle to Red Creek.

How to help

Hentz said the public can help prevent lead poisoning of eagles by not using lead shot when hunting. Those fishing can use steel sinkers instead of lead ones. Donating to a local wildlife rehabilitator is appreciated.

“Eagles are expensive to rehab, especially when they have lead poisoning,” Hentz said.

In 2020, the center took in seven bald eagles - all had lead poisoning, along with other conditions. Two were released, two died and three remain at the center. In all, 4,200 animals received care at Red Creek last year.

Turner said the best things hunters can do to prevent deer from getting lead poisoning is bury the remains or take them off site.

More information on how to prevent lead poisoning in eagles is available on the Pennsylvania Game Commission website, pgc.pa.gov.