Photo courtesy of LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s Wildlife Hospital
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s Wildlife Hospital released a juvenile bald eagle at a boat launch north of Lake Verret in Napoleonville last Friday May 15, 2015.
In late April, residents along Bayou Tranquille in Pierre Part noticed this bird appeared listless and contacted Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (LDWF). An agent transported the eagle to LSU.
Upon arrival, x-rays, blood tests and lead/mercury level evaluation indicated no abnormalities. Other than some mild dehydration, the eagle seemed healthy, so he received supportive care before being returned to the environment.
During the October to May nesting season, LSU typically treats 12 to 15 eagles each year. Caring for the big birds requires some special resources.
“One of the biggest expenses when rehabilitating eagles is frozen thawed fish,” says Javier Nevarez, DVM, LSU associate professor of zoological medicine. “They can go through $10 to $15-worth of fish a day.”
The bird also requires more space, a higher skill of handling and extra care in noise levels, Navarez says, “so they do not get stressed and injure themselves while in captivity.”
Southern bald eagles used to be a rare sight in Louisiana and throughout the country. In 1960, only four eagle pairs were documented in the Bayou State.
Habitat destruction and degradation, illegal shooting and the contamination of its food source from DDT (dichlorodiphenyltri-chloroethane) and other insecticides brought the eagle to the brink of extinction. Since the 1970s, habitat protection mandated by the Endangered Species Act, the federal government’s ban of DDT and conservation actions of the American public have resulted in a remarkable recovery.
In June 2007, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the eagle’s removal from the list of threatened and endangered species.
In Southern Louisiana, the vast majority of nesting takes place in swamps. Eagles nest in sturdy cypress trees adjacent to open water where they hunt for fish. Recent LDWF surveys found 647 nests. Approximately 356 of those contained eggs, young and adults tending the nests.
Still, survival in the wild can be tenuous. In 2015, LSU received 7 bald eagles. Besides the bird released at Lake Verret, three eagles had to be euthanized; two were released; and, one is recovering from orthopedic surgery on a wing.
Death and injury from unnatural causes remains a significant threat as well.
“Unfortunately, we still see eagles being shot illegally,” Nevarez says. “We hope people become more conscious about not harming our national symbol.”
Creature Feature
Nic is a tiny tabby. This cute little boy is very adventuresome. He is friendly and loves playing with his furry toy mice and balls.
Charlotte is a black lab/shepherd puppy. This pretty little girl is sweet as can be. She loves playing with other dogs.
Vanessa is a young adult Himalayan mix, who was rescued from a shelter.
Richard is an adult Belgian Malinois mix. Despite the fact he was attacked by other dogs, this guy is very sweet and does well with other animals.
Big and gorgeous Garfield is a beautiful red orange tabby weighing 15 pounds. He gets along well with all cats and is tolerant of dogs. While he is sweet and loves being petted, it takes a little time for him to warm up to new acquaintances. Since he is a little shy, he is best suited to a home without children.
Alistor (with one blue and one green eye) and Helena (red collar) are littermates, who have been together since birth. It would be wonderful if the same family could adopt them. Both cats are very social with people and are fine with dogs.
These pets have all been microchipped, vaccinated, spayed/neutered and FeLeuk/FIV tested. Many other adoptable cats, kittens, puppies and dogs are available at the Northside Humane Society or call 964-6992.
