VIRGINIA BEACH — Stump, the injured bald eagle Animal Control officers found on the Stumpy Lake Golf Course earlier this month, has died.
Stump’s death was announced Monday via Animal Control’s Facebook page. Animal Control “dubbed” the eagle Stump.
Officers received a call Jan. 2 from golf course employees for a possibly sick or injured bald eagle.
Employees noticed the eagle was “unconcerned” by people walking up to it, according to Animal Control.
By the time officers arrived the eagle had flown up to perch on a branch about 10 feet in the air.
The following morning golf course attendants noticed the eagle back down on the ground, in the rain and again called officers, who were able to “contain” the eagle.
The eagle appeared to be in poor shape and was very lethargic, according to animal control.
Officers called Tommy White, a “wildlife rehabber” who runs Altons’ Keep Wild Bird Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, and were able to facilitate transport for the eagle.
After spending 11 days in rehab, Stump succumbed to his injuries, according to Animal Control.
The “wildlife rehabbers” were unsure of what exactly killed Stump but according to the rehab center, both lead poisoning and exposure to pesticides can cause even a large bird like an eagle to act lethargic, not be able to hold down food, and not have the strength to hunt and eventually organs start shutting down, according to Animal Control.
