Eagles are indeed scavengers, and they’re exploding in population. Eagles scavenging deer killed by autos are a frequent sight in much of America.
In places with escaped domestic pigs, like Iowa, bald eagles seem exclusively scavengers, along with their deer victims.
“Eagles scavenging deer killed by autos are a frequent sight in much of America.”
Well, there you have it. Here is my quick study of the situation:
1. Tetraethyl lead was first put into gasoline in 1923. Leaded gasoline was phased out 50 years later.
2. The lead accumulated in the roadside soil.
3. The roadkill deer bounce off cars and trucks, landing in the roadside soil, thereby picking up some of the accumulated lead.
4. Eagles eat the roadkill and die of lead poisoning.
Where do I send the bill for my study?