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Document Title:
Liver Contaminants in Bald Eagles Carcasses from Maine
AUTHOR(S):
Steven E. Mierzykowski Jacob E.M. Smith Charles S. Todd Daniel Kusnierz Christopher DeSorbo
REPORT NUMBER:
FY09-MEFO-6-EC
PAGES:
1 - 55
PUBLICATION DATE:
December 2011
ABSTRACT:
In Maine, locations of moribund or dead bald eagles are regularly reported to biologists and
game wardens and carcasses are immediately collected. Unless a law enforcement case is
suspected, eagle carcasses are destined for the National Eagle Repository for use by Native
Americans. Prior to shipping to the repository, 51 livers were extracted from bald eagle
carcasses recovered throughout the state of Maine between 2001 and 2007. Livers were
analyzed for organic and inorganic contaminants to provide state-specific baseline information
related to Endangered Species Act post de-listing monitoring of the bald eagle.
Residue burdens in livers are influenced by a variety of factors including the bird’s health, age,
diet, and body condition. Sick, starving, and weakened birds will mobilize contaminants
sequestered in body fat. The liver, as a detoxifying organ, will accumulate mobilized organic
compounds and trace elements providing information on contaminant exposure.
Region 5 Project ID: 1130-5F42
DEQ ID: 200650002.4
PUBLISHED BY:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
DOCUMENT LINK:
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/mainecontaminants/pdf/5F42_LiversBAEA_FinalReport2011.pdf, 600 KB
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Maine Contaminants Program
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