Tag: Eagle Rescue

Bald eagle mistaken for trashbag on the road to recovery

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A Pennsylvania resident recently arrived home to find what looked like an unassuming black trash bag in their yard. But the bag moved and lifted its head. Turns out, it was not a bag, but a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). And something was very wrong with her.  A state Game Warden brought the eagle to Raven Ridge Wildlife Center in southern Pennsylvania to be checked out. The bird couldn’t stand and her legs were limp, which is a typical symptom of spinal trauma. Nonetheless, the team also tested the eagle for lead poisoning, and found that she indeed had lead in her system. Even though the eagle wasn’t showing signs of such poisoning, they weren’t surprised by these results. In a 2022 study published in the journal Science, researchers investigated lead exposure in 1,210 bald and golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) in North America and found chronic lead poisoning in 46 to 47 percent of both eagles and acute lead poisoning in 27 to 33 percent of bald eagles.

Lead exposure in eagles and other avian scavengers mostly occurs when they consume the remains of animals shot with lead ammunition and left behind by hunters.  “Lead poisoning is so common that even eagles brought in for other injuries are now routinely tested for it, and almost all show some level of lead in their system,” Tracie Young, Raven Ridge Wildlife Center director, tells Popular Science.  Even small quantities of lead can be extremely toxic. Lead poisoning can cause brain swelling, trouble breathing, weak muscles, dehydration, starvation, kidney and liver problems, or seizures, Young explains.  “Nerve damage can cause them to lose vision, coordination, and normal movement, so the bird may look ‘drunk’ or not be able to stand,” she continues. “When these eagles are starving, they lose their hunting skills and can’t catch food. As scavengers, they look for roadkill, but because they are uncoordinated, they often get hit by vehicles.” It’s likely that this is what happened to the trash-bag-looking female eagle in Pennsylvania. At the wildlife center, she received chelation therapy for the lead poisoning.

Chelation therapy involves the administration of administering specialized chemical agents that attach to the lead molecules in the bird’s blood and form a compound that is expelled, mostly via urine. The eagle also received physical therapy to regain strength in her legs and mitigate spinal pain and swelling.  Her rehabilitation process has been challenging, but not without its rewards. She is currently able to stand and lives in an outdoor area with an open space where she can continue her rehabilitation process. The eagle is a good candidate for release, but Young says she will require weeks of flight training.   “We urge all hunters and anglers to make a crucial choice: opt for lead-free ammunition and lead-free fishing gear,” the wildlife center wrote in a Facebook post. “This single decision at checkout can significantly improve the lives of countless eagles and other wildlife suffering from lead poisoning.”

Source: Bald eagle mistaken for trashbag on the road to recovery | Popular Science

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
1 Timothy 6:17

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Maryland State Police intern helps rescue injured bald eagle from roadway

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A Maryland State Police intern found himself on an incredible, unexpected assignment this week.  The department posted two photos on social media Friday, showing Centreville Barrack intern Jackson Roach holding a bald eagle.  State police said Roach joined Trooper A. Setter and an off-duty law enforcement officer in removing the injured bird from the area of westbound Route 50 and Route 301 on Wednesday.  They brought the bald eagle back to their barrack and contacted Owl Moon Raptor Center, which came to get the bird.  A Maryland State Police intern found himself on an incredible, unexpected assignment this week as he helped rescue an injured bald eagle. Maryland State Police The social media photos show Roach smiling as he swaddles the eagle in what appears to be a towel. 

“Maryland State Police interns get opportunities to learn, serve, and experience the work of law enforcement firsthand. Maybe even in an unexpected way,” State police offer unpaid internships with five different pathways, including a Standard Internship over the fall, spring or summer for current students or a Service Year Option for a 10-month, full-time commitment. “The Maryland State Police (MDSP) Internship Program is a non-paid mentorship initiative designed to introduce students to the administrative and operational functions of our agency. It aims to provide direction for students considering career paths in both civilian and sworn fields,” the website reads.

“Many program participants have gone on to pursue careers as a Cadet, Trooper, or in a civilian role with the Maryland State Police.” Owl Moon is a wildlife rehabilitation center in Montgomery County that rescues birds of prey and releases them back into the wild. “Our mission is to rescue and rehabilitate injured, sick, and orphaned birds of prey and return them to the wild in sound, athletic condition; and to educate the public about raptors in the process,” the organization’s website reads. Last month, they shared photos of a red-tailed hawk and five juvenile red-shouldered hawks they helped rehabilitate.

Source: Maryland State Police intern helps rescue injured bald eagle from roadway – CBS Baltimore

As you do not know what is the way of the wind, Or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, So you do not know the works of God who makes everything.
Ecclesiastes 11:5

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Green-feathered bald eagle rescued in Pennsylvania

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close up portrait of majestic bald eagle in nature

The Raven Ridge Wildlife Center rescued an injured bald eagle with green tail feathers. According to the Raven Ridge Wildlife Center, they received a call from their eagle capture and transport volunteer, who had been contacted by the PA State Game Warden regarding a downed eagle in someone’s yard with a drooping wing. Once the wildlife center received the eagle, staff saw the right wing drooping, but also noticed another peculiar trait.

The eagle’s tail feathers were green, which Raven Ridge Wildlife Center says can sometimes be due to poisoning or emaciation. “We did blood work on the Eagle, and sure enough, it was positive for lead poisoning,” Raven Ridge explained. “This Eagle was taken to Companion Animal Hospital for X-rays, where Dr. Genova and our Rehabilitator found that the Eagle had a fractured coracoid.” According to Raven Ridge, these types of injuries usually occur when eagles are hit by cars while looking for an easy meal alongside the road. The bald eagle is now being treated for lead poisoning and for the fracture of the coracoid.

The bald eagle’s first round of chelation therapy has been completed, and the eagle is now eating on her own. Raven Ridge will perform follow-up X-rays in two weeks to assess how the fracture is healing. “At Raven Ridge, we will always give an animal a chance and consult our veterinary team for guidance,” Raven Ridge added. “We are hopeful for a full recovery with the treatment, as we know this will be a very long time of rehabilitation as this Eagle recovers.”

Source: Green-feathered bald eagle rescued in Pennsylvania | ABC27

And said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.”
Luke 9:48

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Big Bear bald eagle Jackie rescued by Los Angeles wildlife officials after fight with other eagles

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A member of the beloved Big Bear bald eagle family was rescued by wildlife officials after it was involved in a fight, according to Friends of Big Bear Valley and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.  In a news release, LA County Parks officials said that the San Dimas Raptor Rescue team was dispatched to rescue an eagle at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Saturday. They made the more-than-two-hour trip to Big Bear and located the injured eagle, which was being monitored by San Bernardino County Fire Department personnel from Fire Station 96.  Friends of Big Bear Valley, the local nonprofit wildlife organization behind the famous Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, says that an adult bald eagle was observed on the ground near Dana Point Park late Friday night near Dana Point Park, where it was also observed the prior day as well. 

“Later, that eagle was seen in a short ground altercation with two other subadult eagles,” FOBBV officials said in a social media post. “Cell phone video confirmed that the adult was able to fend off the other eagles by turning over and using its talons, but was unable to fly away.” A bald eagle swimming through water at Big Bear Lake. County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation After it was rescued, the eagle was taken to a rehabilitation facility that specializes in eagle care. LA County Parks officials shared a video that showed some steps of the rescue. “The adult eagle that we picked up was sick, very sick,” said a San Dimas Raptor Rescue official.

“There were no physical injuries, so we were able to do a quick assessment; look at her wings and stuff like that. There was nothing obvious, but she was very skinny and underweight.” The bird’s identity was initially unclear at the time of rescue, but FOBBV said that Jackie has not been seen on their 24/7 eagle nest cameras for several days. They said that Jackie, the so-called matriarch of Big Bear’s beloved bald eagle family, is not banded. They also noted that they’re unsure how many other bad eagles could be visiting the area at the time.  Later Sunday, they said that after reviewing photos and videos from the public and the rehabilitation center, the rescued eagle is “likely Jackie.”

“She is in the best place it can be and getting the care she needs,” said FOBBV’s statement. LA County Parks’ release said that they have been in communication with FOBBV regarding the eagle’s rescue and that she is currently being cared for at a facility in Ojai. The bald eagle rescued from Big Bear Lake by Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation San Dimas Raptor Rescue personnel. County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation Parks officials asked that the public refrain from contacting San Dimas Raptor Rescue for information or updates, as they would be shared by the appropriate organizations. Because bald eagles are a federally protected species, they require specialized rehabilitation permits that are issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and while the San Dimas Raptor Rescue can provide critical rescue services, bald eagles must be cared for by facilities that have “specific eagle rehabilitation authorization and expertise.”

On Tuesday morning, the Ojai Raptor Center said Jackie has more energy as she is eating well with assistance and is even picking up food on her own.  Tests showed that Jackie is anemic and has inflammation affecting her kidneys. They are unsure of the underlying issue causing these symptoms. X-rays did not show any fishing hooks, sinkers or other metal objects. The center is working with several specialist veterinarians to determine the best supportive care at this time.   

Source: Big Bear bald eagle Jackie rescued by Los Angeles wildlife officials after fight with other eagles – CBS Los Angeles

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
Romans 11:33

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