Keith and Dee Cauley found her while photographing. She could not fly so they had to run her down until she was tired and then put her into a cage.
She was sent to Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation in Price, UT. Debbie-Souza-Pappas runs the non-profit organization, which is funded only through private donations.
The eagle was suffering from extreme lead poisoning. Coyotes, prairie dogs, rabbits, and other prey that eagles eat can be poisonous if they are shot with fragmenting lead bullets.
The lead gets stuck in the eagle’s craw and cannot be digested. Then the eagles can no longer eat or fly due to malnutrition.
It took almost one full year of antibiotics, hand massaging the neck to allow the lead to pass through, and careful attention at all times. The cost for saving this wonderful animal was well over $1,000... all done by the great work of Debbie, the private funding, and veterinarians who donate their time and efforts free of charge.
The Cauleys ask that these wonderful people get the credit they deserve. They handle all Division of Natural Resources rehabilitations from the area.
March 15 was the day when Fury was released to return to find her mate.
Keith Cauley said, “What was really fabulous was the sky was filled with eagles during the release. Ten or more were spotted in the area and many went straight to her when she landed. It was like they knew she was going to be released.”
The Cauleys add a reminder that green ammo (non-lead) can be used without harming other creatures that feed on varmints.
Help, if it comes in time, may be able to save the life of the animal, but all too many times, there are long term problems with the animal and euthanasia may be the only option. We were blessed that this victim, Fury, was found before it was too late, but barely.