On August 14, a private citizen in Westmoreland County noticed a Bald Eagle grounded on a rocky area of the Potomac River with what appeared to be an injured wing, possibly the result of a fight with another eagle. The eagle was captured that day, and was transported to Wild Bunch Wildlife Rehabilitation. Wildlife rehabilitator Diana O’Connor transferred the eagle to the Wildlife Center the following afternoon.
Bald Eagle #18-2440 was quiet, alert, and standing on arrival. Dr. Ingrid, one of the Center’s veterinary interns, performed an initial exam and found that the immature male eagle was dehydrated, in poor body condition, and infested with lice. A significant amount of dried blood was found near the right axillary (armpit) area, and a closer examination under anesthesia revealed a deep puncture wound on the eagle’s triceps and bruising across the pectoral muscles. Radiographs and an ophthalmic exam were unremarkable, and blood work revealed a lead level of 0.041 ppm, indicating the eagle had ingested lead at some point, but would not require clinical treatment.
The veterinary staff cleaned and flushed the eagle’s wounds, closed the puncture site with three sutures, and applied a bandage and body wrap to immobilize the right wing. Fluids and anti-parasitics were administered, along with pain medication and antibiotics.
The eagle was placed in the Center’s indoor holding room, and veterinary staff monitored and cleaned the bird’s wounds, applied clean bandages as needed, and provided daily supportive care during the following week. The eagle’s injuries and overall condition steadily improved, and after removing the bird’s bandages it was transferred to a small outdoor enclosure on August 27. Although daily indoor treatments are no longer necessary, Center staff will regularly monitor the eagle’s condition before considering transferring the bird to a larger flight pen.
Based on the severity of the puncture wound and its closeness to important nerves in the axillary area, prognosis is guarded. The staff will need to carefully assess if the eagle can regain full flight capabilities.
During the next week, Bald Eagle #18-2440 will be the subject of a special eagle research project; the Center is participating in this project with researchers from Purdue University. Click here to learn more about this research.