ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - It’s been a challenging few weeks for the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center . Three bald eagles have been taken in with serious injuries, and staff says lead exposure is becoming a growing concern.

Two of the eagles arrived in such critical condition that, despite intensive care, they could not be saved. The third, found struggling near a creek in Bedford County, is now under treatment, giving staff hope for recovery.

“We see between eight to ten bald eagles a year total. However, recently, we’ve seen three in two weeks, actually four in less than two months, which for us is a bit unheard of,” said Chester Leonard, Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center. “It’s not uncommon to see more eagles with lead toxicosis around hunting season.”

Lead

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