Officer Saves Injured Eagle

Photo credit Mike Powell

Fairfax County Animal Control was called to Huntley Meadows Park this week for a report of an injured American Bald Eagle that appeared unable to fly. Officer Kathy Prucnal, with nothing but a blanket, secured the eagle after pursuing it in the marshy woodlands.

The eagle reportedly hopped around among the brush piles, trees and tried to swim off, as she pursued it. When a helpful park visitor blocked exit routes for the eagle, the officer was able to make the capture.

Park visitors witnessed the rescue and provided these photos and accounts of the incident.

After taking the eagle to a veterinarian, it was determined that along with a broken wing, the eagle may have suffered from pesticide poisoning.

The vet treated the bird for both of these. It will be treated at a rehabilitation center in southern Virginia before being released back into the wild.

Photo credit Mike Powell

(Additional information/photos available on local photography blog of Mike Powell: http://michaelqpowell.wordpress.com/2014/11/04/rescue-of-an-injured-bald-eagle/)