A northwest Iowa organization that treats sick, injured or orphaned wildlife has launched an “Eagle Legacy” campaign. Gretchen Gondeck is a spokesperson for the Forever Wildlife Lodge and Clinic in Woodbury County. She says the focus is on educating hunters on how choosing lead-free ammunition can help protect bald eagles.
The group “Save Our Avian Resources” — or SOAR — is a partner in the effort. Kay Neumann, a member of that group, says raptors, like eagles, typically feed on live animals, but during fall and winter they will scavange through things like deer and bird carcases that could be loaded with lead shot.
If an eagle that has been sickened after eating lead, it can be cured if it’s promptly found and treated — but it a full recovery typically takes months. Neumann says lead shot fragments are also a danger to humans if they are not completely removed from venison.
A fundraiser will be held in Sioux City on October 17th at the Lewis and Clark Center to raise funds for the wildlife center, to cover the expense of rescuing, treating and transporting injured birds and other animals.
