Another One Bites the Dust

Another One Bites the Dust
March 28th 2011
By: Laura Johnson

Perhaps some of you have heard that recently, the second oldest eagle known in Alaska was found dead. So just how did this majestic bird meet its untimely demise? Poachers? Harsh weather? Poor health? Nope it was in fact death by electrocution when the eagle most likely flew into or roosted on a utility pole on Kodiak Island in Alaska.
Many raptors are killed each year by electrocution. The exact number is unknown because electric companies are not required to keep data on dead birds found around the utility poles they operate. Some companies do attempt to deter eagles and other raptors from coming near the utility poles. They do this by installing visual markers like spinning disks, streamers, and colored spheres to scare them away. While some companies are at least doing something others are choosing to do nothing. Whenever a raptor is killed by a utility line, the company that operates the power line is in violation of one or more federal wildlife statutes. Some of which include the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Act. Fines for violating can range from $5,000-$50,000. However, it is very rare for a lawsuit to be brought against an electric company. In fact the first time this occurred was in 1999. A lawsuit was brought against the Moon Lake Electric agency, a company stationed in Utah and Colorado. They were fined $50,000 and required to pay $50,000 in restitutions for the death of 4 ferruginous hawks, 12 golden eagles, and 1 great horned owl. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service has said they would work with companies to help them identify areas along their lines that need improvement. They are hoping to get voluntary compliance from the utility companies so they can work together on reaching a goal.
There are ways to make sure that older utility poles are up to date with some forms of raptor-safe technology in place. One of these ways is putting up insulating sheaths to protect the raptors should they accidently come into contact with the lines. These sheaths can only be used on lines up to a certain voltage though otherwise they will catch fire. A few wildlife officials are working diligently at making sure all new utility lines are being put up with raptor safe technology. This includes making sure the wires are far enough apart and installing the deterrents I have previously mentioned.
We must also hold ourselves accountable for raptor electrocutions as well. After all it is our fault that there are now utility lines all over their natural habitat. What can an individual do to try and help in some way? The best option is to make sure your utility provider is one of the companies that has or is in the process of installing raptor safe technology on their lines. If they are not, then severe your business with them. Perhaps they will see saving raptors from electrocution as more of an incentive when they realize they are losing business over it.
Resources:
For more information about the 2nd oldest bird that died please visit http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/releases/110224.html.

Lehman Robert N. Raptor electrocution on power lines: current issues and outlook. Wildlife Society Bulletin 2001, 29(3):804-813.