Bald eagle released in eastern NC after a year of rehab at wildlife sanctuary

A bald eagle that was being treated for a broken wing, toe and lead poisoning was released back into the wild.

The eagle was brought to Wild at Heart sanctuary after it was hit by a car in Myrtle Beach last year.

Sanctuary workers told NBC affiliate WITN that lead poisoning is one of the leading causes of death in bald eagles. The co-founder of the sanctuary said the deaths could be prevented if hunters changed the type of ammunition being used.

"Copper shot can make a huge difference because we've also seen deer meat being process for human consumption and after being X-rayed, we can see lead shot in it," said co-founder Kaitlan Adkins.

Adkins told WITN three eagles at the sanctuary have died from lead poisoning this year.