Hayesville – The Clay County Sheriff’s Office assisted the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission with a rescue of a bald eagle on Jan. 9.
With the help of a licensed falconer – Ed Figueroa of Ranger, who is also a retired law enforcement officer – officers were able to pick up the eagle, get it out of the frigid temperatures until we got confirmation from a rescue organization, then get it transported to a rehabilitation facility in Asheville.
The eagle appeared to have a broken wing and injured foot, possibly from a vehicle strike. It wouldn’t have survived throughout the coming winter weather, according to the rescue workers.
Once officers arrived at Wild For Life rescue, they were given encouraging news that the eagle seemed to be in better condition than originally thought. An emergency veterinarian was already en route to the rescue to begin working on it.
Wild For Life said if the eagle makes a full recovery, they will likely bring it to Hayesville to release it back into the wild.
Details: Visit wildforlife.org.
Top: Licensed falconer Ed Figueroa of Ranger was instrumental in helping get the injured bald eagle to an emergency veterinarian. Bottom: Officials at Wild For Life in Asheville give aid to the eagle.