No Safe Exposure
Rehabilitating America's Eagles
The Film
Adult bald eagle on deer carcass.
“No Safe Exposure: Lead Poisoning in America's Eagles” features compelling, never-before-seen footage and inspirational content depicting the heroic work of wildlife rehabilitators who help sick and injured eagles recover and return to the skies. Eagles deal with significant challenges, including habitat loss, poisoning, diseases like highly pathogenic avian influenza, electrocution, mortality from wind turbine strikes, illegal shootings, and wildlife trafficking. Not all of these threats are addressed, but preventing lead poisoning is a goal that is within reach.
The film helps viewers understand the unintentional threats that lead hunting ammunition can pose to bald and golden eagles. It showcases the dedication of wildlife rehabilitators, hunters, conservation groups, and enforcement officers to combat the harm it can cause. Footage showcasing eagles in the wild, sick birds undergoing treatment, and eagles being released following care inspires viewers and creates a sense of responsibility, compassion, and awe for these magnificent creatures.
The Problem
Over half of all bald and golden eagle deaths from poisoning result from lead poisoning. Some eagles ingest enough lead to be fatal within a matter of weeks, but others ingest tiny amounts over time, leading to chronic lead poisoning. While the amounts may not be enough to directly cause death, the lead accumulates and adversely affects their health and judgment.
The conservation community, including hunters and wildlife rehabilitators, has learned that most scavenging wildlife ingests lead primarily by consuming the remains of harvested animals in the field. When a person harvests an animal like a deer or an elk and leaves the inedible portions of the animal (like a gut pile) in the field, scavenging wildlife eats those remains and can unknowingly ingest any lead fragments left behind.
Wildlife rehabilitators are on the front lines of treating eagles and other wildlife. They collaborate closely with Game Commission officers and state and federal agencies to ensure eagles receive the best care. The general public, various donors, and funding organizations also play a significant role in aiding eagles in receiving treatment and recovering from lead poisoning and other injuries. The expert wildlife rehabilitators at Tamarack Wildlife Center have extensive experience caring for eagles, and their efforts are critical to their health and well-being.
Hunters are encouraging fellow hunters to make informed choices to remove lead from wildlife food chains. They are also partnering with state wildlife agencies to promote increased understanding about lead poisoning in wildlife and what we all hunters can do to help.
Immature bald eagle.
X-ray of an eagle with lead fragments.
Between spring 2023 and fall 2024, 31 bald eagles were treated at Tamarack Wildlife Center in northwestern Pennsylvania for various injuries sustained in
the wild.
40% were treated for Lead poisoning. Most could not
be saved.
“My favorite thing about working with eagles is that it feels very sacred. I’m really committed to eagles and to helping their populations be healthy.
I think I learn from them to be my best self and to be of service.”
—Carol Holmgren, Executive Director, Tamarack Wildlife Center