Michigan Tech Highlights Wildlife Rehab Work by a MTU Public Safety Officer

Michigan Tech loves to shine a light on their incredible students, faculty and staff. Recently the university highlighted work done by MTU Public Safety Office Beth Maata, off campus. Maata, who has worked in law enforcement for seventeen years, volunteers with the U.P. Wildlife Rehabilitation as the only certified raptor rehab specialist in the region. Recently Maata and the rehabilitation center, released an immature male bald eagle back into the wild, out in Ontonagon County. The eagle Maata cared for, had been brought to the rehabilitation center for lead exposure. A somewhat rare event for a young raptor, but an issue that affects the majority of mature bald eagles during their lifetime. Eagles, as primarily scavengers, can consume lead ammunition, when eating an animal carcass. Just like with humans, there is no safe level of lead exposure for raptors and other birds. Most of the time care givers are able to remove lead ammunition, but timing is critical, because the bird’s stomach acids can quickly break down the material. Maata and her eagle friend’s story acts as a reminder to hunters to seek out lead free ammunition this season. Find out more information on Maata, the young eagle, and Sporting Lead Free on Michigan Tech’s website, mtu.edu/news.