What are the main causes of death in bald eagles?
A. The most common causes of death are human-related and include collisions (e.g., vehicles, power lines), electrocution (from power lines), toxins (pesticides and other chemicals), lead poisoning (from ingested lead pellets, bullets, and fishing sinkers) and rodenticides (eating poisoned rodents and other poisoned animals). Eagles are still illegally shot and trapped by people who see them as nuisances, or for their feathers, beaks, or talons. Natural causes include diseases like West Nile Virus.
