Intentional poisoning of birds or prey and "vermin" is illegal but unfortunately still occurs in my part of Europe. Most widespread poison used is carbofuran - strong pesticide that has been banned in whole EU since 2008.
Last year, 25 poisoned birds of prey were found in the country and most of them died. Among them were 10 white-tailed sea eagles. Sea eagles eat a lot of carrion during winter and thus become frequent victim of poisoned baits.
At the beginning of 2014, another 2 poisoned eagles were detected. One of them was found within CHKO Zdarske Vrchy (protected area) still alive but paralised. It got picked up by staff of wildlife rescue station Lipec, given a shot of atropin (antidote) and it survived.
Zachranna stanice Lipec made a video about the rescue and release of the eagle.
Note the gloves they wear - carbofuran is strongly poisonous to humans even when it just touches your skin. Note the gentleman that takes measures of the eagle before its release - it´s the chairman of CSO (Czech ornithological society) and also he banded the eagle himself when it was still a chick on nest 4 years ago. Note the blinder (hood) the eagle wears shortly before release - the rescue station leader and staff are hobby falconers. The same staff also runs a small zoo Obora Zleby (attendance 35.000).
Link
Last year, 25 poisoned birds of prey were found in the country and most of them died. Among them were 10 white-tailed sea eagles. Sea eagles eat a lot of carrion during winter and thus become frequent victim of poisoned baits.
At the beginning of 2014, another 2 poisoned eagles were detected. One of them was found within CHKO Zdarske Vrchy (protected area) still alive but paralised. It got picked up by staff of wildlife rescue station Lipec, given a shot of atropin (antidote) and it survived.
Zachranna stanice Lipec made a video about the rescue and release of the eagle.
Note the gloves they wear - carbofuran is strongly poisonous to humans even when it just touches your skin. Note the gentleman that takes measures of the eagle before its release - it´s the chairman of CSO (Czech ornithological society) and also he banded the eagle himself when it was still a chick on nest 4 years ago. Note the blinder (hood) the eagle wears shortly before release - the rescue station leader and staff are hobby falconers. The same staff also runs a small zoo Obora Zleby (attendance 35.000).
Link
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