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SPRINGVILLE, Utah (AP) -- A bald eagle is being nursed back to health after being found near death from high levels of heavy metals, including lead and mercury.
The bird has gained two pounds since it was found in early March and taken to Great Basin Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education in Springville.
The eagle was emaciated and had a broken wing. The lower part of the wing needed to be amputated, but the bird is eating on its own now.
Officials believe the eagle may have been poisoned by tailings from old mine operations found in Utah's mountains.
The bird was found near Deseret Chemical Depot, which volunteered to pay the medical bills. Depot officials do not believe the bird was poisoned on the Army property.
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Information from: The Daily Herald
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
