UPDATE: An eaglet at the Glen Hazel nest has died following an unknown illness. Carol Holmgren with Tamarack Wildlife Center confirmed to Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 that the eaglet, referred to as GH4, died Sunday morning. We’re told the other eaglet, GH3, and the mother may also be sick. The cause and origin of the illness remain unknown. In a previous post from PixCams about the nest, intervention at an eagle’s nest requires both State and Federal approval, due to the eagles’ protected status. PixCams says intervention at a nest is only typically granted for threats to the life of an eagle that have a clear human origin, such as the fishhook incident that occurred at the U.S. Steel nest. The post said officials have been exploring whether Pennsylvania and Federal permission might be granted to pull the chicks for treatment and testing. They said as of Sunday afternoon, it is not clear what the response will be.
PREVIOUS: Two eaglets at the Glen Hazel nest are “not well,” after officials said it appears both are presenting possible signs of an illness. PixCams said on Sunday morning, eaglets GH3 and GH4 were presenting signs of a possible illness, saying they alerted Tamarack Wildlife Center and licensed Rehabilitator, Carol Holmgren to monitor the nest. “Carol has been monitoring closely and also reaching out to other colleagues with expertise in the field, including Dr. Miller, the Penn State veterinary collaborator with the Pennsylvania Game Commission for monitoring wildlife disease issues, and others,” PixCams said in a post on social media. “Expert eyes are on GH3 and GH4, and concerned. Bill Powers of Pixcams was also alerted, and the team immediately conferenced to discuss potential scenarios.” PixCams said the eaglets “are not well,” further saying there are several diseases and toxins that could result in similar signs of illness. “Testing would be needed to determine the specific cause of the eaglet’s distress,” PixCams said. Due to their protected status, intervention at an eagle’s nest requires both State and Federal approval. PixCams says intervention at a nest is only typically granted for threats to the life of an eagle that have a clear human origin, such as the fishhook incident that occurred at the U.S. Steel nest. PixCams said officials have been exploring whether Pennsylvania and Federal permission might be granted to pull the chicks for treatment and testing. They said as of Sunday afternoon, it is not clear what the response will be. This story will be updated as information is made available. Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.
