Wounded bald eagle recovering at Auburn raptor center

Auburn, Al.
A bald eagle that was found wounded after being shot twice was brought to the Southeastern Raptor Center at Auburn University Friday, where it is being treated.

A Northport man found the bird in Sipsey Wilderness and brought it to the Alabama Wildlife Center in Oak Mountain State Park Friday morning, where it was triaged and brought to the raptor center the same day.

Although it has a broken wing, the eagle is stable and will likely be released back into the wild in 6 months, said Liz Crandall, raptor rehabilitation specialist at the center. She said the eagle will have to wear a bandage for at least four weeks and have regular physical therapy.

“He’ll have physical therapy on his wing, so we’ll do that at least three weeks,” Crandall said.

The bird was noticeably thin when it was found, as its injuries had likely prevented it from hunting for some time, according to the Alabama Wildlife Center.

The incident is being investigated by Special Agent John Rawls of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Crandall said.

Although the bald eagle, the United States’ national emblem, is no longer considered to be an endangered species, it is still protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940, which prohibits the taking, possession and commerce of such birds. A 1972 amendment increased the penalty for violating the act to a maximum fine of $5,000 or one year in prison or, for a second offense, $10,000 and two years in prison.

Rewards are provided for information leading to an arrest and conviction for violation of the act, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.