Bald Eagle Takes Flight Once Again

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Fairfax County, VA – This weekend, our Animal Protection Police (APP) released an eagle back into the wild.

On December 23rd, our APP responded to a call for service for an injured bald eagle in Fairfax Station. The adult male eagle was underweight and had sustained injuries to the head and a deep laceration on a leg. APP officer Atanasova was able to safely capture the eagle and coordinated with our wildlife rehabilitator partners to get it help.

The eagle was transported by the Wildlife Rescue League (WRL) to Dr. Belinda Burwell at Wildlife Veterinary Care for medical assistance. Dr. Burwell is a licensed Wildlife Veterinarian and Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator who specializes in treatment for raptors. Following six weeks of treatment and recovery, the eagle was successfully released by Dr. Burwell at Burke Lake Park on Sunday, February 4th with APP, WRL, and park staff in attendance to celebrate its return to the wild.

Our Animal Protection Police Officers work closely with licensed veterinarians and permitted wildlife rehabilitators regularly to rescue sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife and seek medical intervention when possible. Our Fairfax County Park Authority’s work to restore and conserve habitat is also crucial for supporting our native wildlife. We are grateful for these valued partnerships to provide life-saving outcomes for our local wildlife!

The Animal Protection Police may be reached through the police non-emergency phone number at 703-691-2131.