Bald eagles being studied for PFAS in northern Wisconsin reservation
“Being an apex predator, eagles are a sensitive indicator of trends in environmental contaminant exposure in the habitats for which they reside.” Sean Strom Wildlife toxicologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Tribal and state researchers in Wisconsin are teaming up to study the effects of forever chemicals, or PFAS, on the iconic bald eagle.
“Being an apex predator, eagles are a sensitive indicator of trends in environmental contaminant exposure in the habitats for which they reside,” said Sean Strom, a wildlife toxicologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources who’s leading the study.
Knowing how much eagles are affected by PFAS can provide a clearer picture of how much the environment, as a whole, is affected by the worrisome chemicals.
“The ability to identify trends in contaminant exposure is a valuable tool not only for the health of the species, but for the long-term health of the ecosystem as well,” Strom said.
Blood samples were taken from nestling bald eagles from along the south shore of Lake Superior, which is encompassed largely by the Red Cliff Ojibwe Reservation.
Researchers with the tribe’s natural resources division worked with state DNR researchers in locating and collecting the blood samples from eagles on the reservation.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of tasteless and odorless chemicals that have been used and manufactured in the U.S. since the 1940s.
The chemicals are used for their waterand stain-resistant qualities, in products like clothing and carpet, nonstick cookware, food packaging and firefighting foams.
Humans can come into contact with PFAS in many different ways in their everyday lives. Some of the most common sources of the chemicals are drinking water, food, working in occupations such as firefighting or chemical manufacturing, and breathing air containing PFAS.
Most people in the U.S. have been exposed to PFAS in their lifetime. Because the compounds accumulate in the human body over long periods of time, there’s no way to get rid of them. Studies have also shown that the chemicals have been linked to reproductive and developmental problems, liver and kidney and immunological effects in laboratory animals, and have been linked to cancerous tumors and increased cholesterol levels.
Strom’s study will help identify current concentration of PFAS and other contaminants and the risks posed to wildlife and the environment in Wisconsin.
He hopes to identify “hot spots” to target for future monitoring and increase understanding of how contaminants accumulate throughout the food web.
Besides being an indicator species, researchers chose the bald eagle because it’s a species highly prized by the American public and studies of the effects of PFAS on the animal could help increase public concern, interest and resources in managing PFAS.
While the bald eagle is the national symbol, it’s also a very important and highly revered being for many Native American tribes, including the Ojibwe in northern Wisconsin.
The bald eagle, known in Ojibwe as Migizi, represents the Ojibwe connection with Gchi Manidoo (Creator or God).
When Ojibwe people lay down tobacco (asemaa) for ceremony, prayer or to give thanks, the Migizi swoops down and gathers the tobacco and prayers and carries them up Ishpeming (Above or Heaven) to Creator.
The Eagle Clan among the Ojibwe hold roles as spiritual leaders in their communities and are responsible for passing on oral history and stories to tribal leaders.
Gifts of eagle feathers also are very important to Native American tribes, including the Ojibwe, as they represent a direct connection between the recipient, Migizi, Thunderbirds and Creator.
The feathers are often used in headdresses, fans and staffs for ceremonies.
Strom said test results from blood samples collected this summer are expected by early next year.
Reporters Laura Schulte and Katelyn Ferral contributed to this report.