CROCKETT, Texas – An injured bald eagle is being cared for after being found on the side of a dirt road, Friends of Texas Wildlife said.
The adult bald eagle was found in rural Crockett, Texas, and was brought to the volunteer wildlife-rehabilitation organization by a state game warden.
The organization said the bird's condition was so grave upon intake that the organization feared he would not survive that first night.
The bird came into the organization's care late in the evening Jan. 23 and was barely alive, suffering from lead poisoning, Friends of Texas Wildlife said. He was too weak to stand and couldn't keep any food down.
The organization said the bird began to gain a little strength after care, fluid therapy and tube feeding. He was started on chelation therapy to help remove the lead from his system.
Even with therapy, the bird's survival chances are uncertain due to potential damage to his internal organs, the organization said.
Since Monday, the bird has been able to stand and is now keeping down solid food. The organization said his care will be long-term and expensive.
"We have no way of knowing what caused the lead poisoning, but unfortunately it is an all-too-common problem affecting bald eagles," Friends of Texas Wildlife said. "It is either caused by environmental toxins (lead levels in ponds, streams, etc.), or possibly by the eagle having ingested fish or prey contaminated by lead (fishing sinkers, lead ammunition)."
Friends of Texas Wildlife said since no wildlife groups are funded to care for the animals they take in, the only way the organization can care for the bird is with donations.