BRADENTON BEACH – The eagle has landed. But, it’s not what you might think.
Tuesday night, the Wildlife Inc. received a call of an injured eagle around Bradenton Woods.
Wildlife, Inc. Education & Rehabilitation is a non-profit wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organization known to have helped more than 4,000 animals in Manatee County.
Ed and Gail Straight are the Wildlife Inc. curators. Gail says she took the eagle to the vet believing it was a broken wing.
“The wing was broken. She has a wound on her chest, which is Indicative of she was in a territorial fight with another eagle,” said Gail Straight.
The black spot on the X-ray is bruising.
Gail says this time of year usually sees a lot of territorial fights in birds of prey.
“It’s breeding season, it’s very common, unfortunately,” said Gail Straight.
“We will probably see some more injuries from territorial fights with birds of prey, anytime now,” said Ed Straight. “This is the time it happens.”
This eagle is nearly 10 pounds. Gail says she’s had a lot of eagles come in and this one is pretty strong.
“You don’t want those talons going into you, they have a lot of pressure,” said Gail Straight.
Ed says if you see an injured bird, especially a bird of prey, you should call the professionals. They’re dangerous to handle.
“Things like eagles, do not attempt to rescue it yourself,” said Ed Straight. “They might be sitting there, but when you approach them, they could very easily turn over and get you with their talons.”
In the case of this eagle, Gail says they plan to send her to an Audubon society in the Orlando area. She says rehab will probably take about six to eight weeks.
“And then the bird goes into the big 100-foot flight cage, and it has to be able to fly and catch its food and everything else,” said Gail Straight.
Luckily, they’re hopeful she’ll be able to fly again.
The number to call for an animal rescue on the Suncoast is (941) 778-6324.
And you can donate to the non-profit by going to their website. Find the donate button on the home page and give it a click.