Two further sea eagles reportedly poisoned by rat toxins in Dorset
Concerns grow over deaths of rare birds of prey
Last updated 31st Jul 2026
The fragile population of white-tailed sea eagles is under threat following reports of two more birds poisoned in Dorset.
This follows revelations by wildlife group WPRUK that the birds, known for their wingspans exceeding two metres, have been victims of poisoning from Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs).
These poisons, used to control rats by farmers, gamekeepers, and pest controllers, are suspected in the deaths of eagles recorded in November 2024 and May 2024 in Dorset.
Government records initially mistook the November 2024 eagle's cause of death as electrocution, but investigations confirmed significant SGAR levels in its liver.
The eagle found dead in May 2024 also showed high concentrations of SGAR toxins.
In March 2025 and March 2026, two more sea eagles were found dead in Dorset, potentially due to the same toxins, with further information on the incidents not fully disclosed.
Concerns Over Government Policies
The continued use of SGARs outdoors is raising concerns among conservationists.
An environmental risk assessment in 2012 advised against outdoor use due to secondary poisoning risks, yet government action permitted their use, including high toxicity poisons like Brodifacoum for outdoor applications.
The government approved Rodenticide Stewardship Scheme was meant to reduce wildlife exposure to these toxins through improved practices, but efforts have failed according to WPRUK.
Data collected by WPRUK shows an alarming increase in SGAR levels among buzzards, a trend aggravated by the government’s decision to permit the outdoor use of these poisons.
Exposure of buzzards to the highly toxic SGAR has increased from 15.1% to 42.3%, and Brodifacoum exposure has risen by a staggering 1,026%.
Future Risks for Eagles
Dr Ed Blane from WPRUK has raised concerns about the continued introduction of eagles into other areas of England and Wales without addressing the poisoning issue.
Dr Blane said: "The death of these majestic birds in Dorset, and the high amounts of poison found in their livers, should cause alarm bells to start ringing across the country.
What we see now is the total failure of Government approved policy meant to protect the environment, information being withheld and our wildlife paying the price.
At the same time chemical companies are making profits from selling these poisons."
He questioned how many reintroduced eagles might face a similar fate.