Educator Guide: Elusive Killer in Eagle Die-Offs ID’d

two bald eagles in a tree

The bald eagle was the bird that started the decades-long quest to find the cause of mysterious avian die-offs at lakes in the southeastern United States. Now researchers think they’ve got the long-sought killer.

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About this guide

In this guide, students will learn about scientists’ quest to solve mysterious bird deaths, discuss how invasive species affect ecosystems and research an invasive species in their region.

This Guide Includes:

Science mystery solvers

Students will answer questions about the online Science News article “A toxin behind mysterious eagle die-offs may have finally been found,” which explores scientists’ quest to ID a suspect in mass bird deaths. A version of the story, “Elusive killer in eagle die-offs ID’d,” appears in the April 24, 2021 issue of Science News.