An adult eagle, one of an estimated 10 resident eagles in West Seattle, was discovered dead on Saturday morning Jan. 6. The death was from electrocution according to Urban Conservation & Wildlife Biologist/Specialist Kersti Muul. 

"It appears that the fleshy parts of the eagle came in contact with the 2 phase power lines that run up Jacobson road, and it was electrocuted by cross-phasing," Muul said.

She explained that while measures have been taken to prevent such incidents they can still happen.

The bird will be taken to a national respository for investigation.

It was part of a mated pair Muul said and that while there was no apparent nest for them, this is nest building season. 

"You could hear the mate crying as she flew over the scene. This is part of their grieving process," Muul explained.

Muul spoke to a City Light biologist who said they will update the line configuration at that location, to help prevent future incidents.

On Monday, Seattle City Light issued the following statement:

"City Light will initiate an assessment by the distribution engineering and environmental teams to evaluate options for retrofitting the poles and wires to reduce the risk of future electrocutions of bald eagles and other large raptors and herons that live in the vicinity of this event. We are committed to protecting bald eagles and all wildlife species affected by our generation and distribution of electricity. As part of this effort, we implement an Avian Protection Program to address these issues when they arise and improve our system to minimize bird mortalities in the first place."