PLEASE DONATE TODAY
Posted on 02/08/2012 4:25:38 PM PST by SJackson
The golden eagle is found across North America and is the largest bird of prey found in the United States.
Golden eagles occur in the greatest numbers from Alaska southward throughout the mountain and prairie habitat of the West and into Mexico. They occur in lower numbers to the east across Canada, the Great Lakes states, and the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States.
Golden eagles have caused livestock losses and there have well-been documented cases of golden eagles taking mule deer and pronghorn antelope fawns.
Golden eagle prey consists primarily of small mammals such as prairie dogs, rabbits and ground squirrels, but they will consume birds and reptiles when they can catch them. Large mammals are fair game too. Golden eagles sometimes attack large mammals. Mule deer and pronghorn of all ages have been observed being attacked or killed by eagles. In fact, documented kills of bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, and foxes being killed exist. They also eat carrion.
Many ranchers are not fond of golden eagles. They occasionally kill calves, sheep, pigs and goats. Although attacks on animals that weigh more than about 35 pounds are uncommon, they are not unheard of. The photos below show an adult golden eagle attacking and killing a pronghorn antelope near Rawlins, Wyoming. It was assumed that the pronghorn was not healthy, and the photos are quite gruesome, but they do show the ability of the amazing ability and tenacity of the golden eagle.
As the photos show, golden eagles grab deer and pronghorn anywhere on the head, neck, or body, frequently grasping from the front or side. They kill adult animals with numerous talon stabs into the upper ribs and back. Their feet and talons are well adapted to closing around the backbone, with the talons puncturing large internal arteries, frequently the aorta in front of the kidneys.
The major cause of death is shock produced by massive internal hemorrhage from punctured arteries or collapse of the lungs when the rib cage is punctured. Young animals die from shock and loss of blood as they are eviscerated as golden eagles grab them and simply start eating. Where eagles prey on domestic animals, they usually take the young, but some eagles become persistent predators of livestock as large as 500 pounds. Nature is both cruel and amazing. The golden eagle because of regulations and sound wildlife management practices, but it’s easy to see how this species can have a huge impact livestock producers.
And I love how Auburn is a major veterinary college. Wish Clint Jr would change his major to it for grad school...only because he could live in the Loveliest City longer.
When is he set to graduate? My youngest, who got married Dec. 30, btw, will walk in May.
I meant to tell you, we’re in spring mode here. My forsythia is beginning to bloom. I have some early azaelas. I’ve been picking daffodils for about two weeks now. Spring in Auburn is absolutely breath-taking.
out here in Montana we call them pronghorns “turbo goats” and I’ve seen many Goldens munching on road kill whilst the ravens and other road kill clean up crew birds observe...its the circle of life
The Mongolians use Golden Eagles to hunt wolves. Check out some of the Youtube videos. Its pretty wild.
Can we train it to take out an elephant?
There is a great Utube on the Mongolians training golden eagles to take down wolves...fasinating...One eagle took down a wolf and was having trouble with it so they let the second eagle to help...got the wolf...I didn’t think you could train golden eagles like you do falcons, they take bigger prey...
About a week ago I was heading down to the auto parts store.
I live at about 550 feet elevation in the Puget Sound region, and the parts store is in a town called Sumner down in the valley.
So I’m cruising down the road (down a pretty steep grade lined by Doug Fir trees, I got about 3 cars behind me 4 or 5 car lengths back, and there’s this big commotion in front of me.
I touched the brakes, moved into the left lane and thank God there was no oncoming traffic because a large American Bald Eagle had decided to land in the road about 100 feet in front of me!
He managed to get off the ground and was airborne maybe twelve feet away when I passed the spot he had landed in.
Wish I had some pics!!
I sure wish we could. That dang elephant stomped us pretty badly last night. Ouch!
I cheer for Auburn sports teams because I went to Auburn. Most of them just cheer for the football team.
Just remember, the Gator is at the top of the food chain.
I see eagles about every day feeding on road kill deer,mostly bald eagles.They have plenty to eat from the road kill.
I don’t see them that often, but saw my first of 2012 in mid jan, and deer is what he was feasting on. Pulled my car over to watch. Gave me a really nasty stare, wasn’t going anywhere. Bald, not golden.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.