Skip to main content
Small actions

Small actions that help bald eagles

A bald eagle in profile is perched near the trunk of a tree. The eagle's head is white and its body is dark. Its yellow beak curves down sharply.

By the 1960’s, the national symbol of the United States was in danger of extinction throughout much of its range. Bald eagles have slowly recovered – largely due to the banning of the pesticide DDT – but they continue to face serious threats such as the loss of their habitat to waterfront development, illegal shooting and poisoning. When bald eagles and other scavengers eat the remains of an animal shot with lead ammunition, lead can enter their bloodstream, causing potential long-term suffering and eventually, death.

How you can help

  1. Use lead-free ammunition

    A close-up of a pair of hands examining copper bullets in a rifle magazine.

    Shooting with non-lead ammunition such as copper helps prevent lead poisoning in wildlife. When birds and mammals eat the remains of an animal shot with lead ammunition, lead can enter their bloodstream, causing potential long-term suffering and eventually, death. Studies have shown a decrease in lead-poisoned wildlife in regions where hunters voluntarily switched to a lead alternative.

  2. Choose non-toxic garden pest control

    A person bends over while spraying the lawn with a chemical. A small dog is also on the lawn.

    Garden products like pesticides and fungicides can harm wildlife — not just garden pests — and pollute the environment. Learn more about getting rid of pests without chemicals.

  3. Donate to the Oregon Zoo Foundation

    Adult female checkerspot butterfly in the Butterfly Lab.

    Donate now and make a world of difference for wildlife!