A Pennsylvania farm family was enjoying a peaceful vacation, hoping to spend some quality time together away from daily routines.
While the adults relaxed, one of the children wandered into the nearby field and noticed something unusual lying close to the fence.
From a distance, it appeared to be an animal, but they couldn’t tell what kind. Curious and concerned, a woman from the family approached to investigate , and what she found left her stunned.
An Urgent Call For Help
As she got closer, the woman realized the creature lying in the grass was an eagle. Without hesitation, she contacted Raven Ridge Wildlife Center for assistance.
At first, the rescue team wasn’t sure what species they were dealing with. People often confuse hawks with eagles, so they asked her to send a photo.
Once they received the image, they confirmed her suspicion. It was a juvenile bald eagle.
With the identification confirmed, the team gathered their gear and headed to the farm to safely retrieve the bird.
Tracie Young from Raven Ridge Wildlife Center arrived and quickly noticed that the eagle wasn’t resisting. He allowed them to pick him up without a struggle.
His passive behavior raised concerns. Young also observed that he was missing a significant number of feathers.
A Long Journey Toward Recovery Begins
Young transported the eagle back to the wildlife center for immediate care. After a thorough examination, they discovered he was suffering from lead poisoning.
This condition can occur when an animal is hit by a vehicle, which likely explained his weakened state.
Thankfully, his feathers would eventually regrow. Though treatment was necessary, the team was committed to helping him heal.
Young and her colleagues developed a detailed rehabilitation plan and began treatment right away.
The bald eagle began to show signs of improvement. As part of his recovery, they placed him in a flight cage to help him rebuild strength and relearn how to fly.
Because of his fragile condition, he wasn’t ready to return to the wild just yet. The flight cage was a crucial step in preparing him for that moment.
His appetite returned quickly, and his progress was steady. The team expects he’ll be ready for release in a few months.
Until then, the young bald eagle will remain under the care of the dedicated staff at Raven Ridge Wildlife Center, receiving everything he needs to make a full recovery.