Bald Eagle Rescued In Mansfield Back In The Wild

MANSFIELD, CT — The bald eagle recused from a road in Mansfield after it had hit power lines is back in the wild.

On Friday, Ashford-based Horizon Wings and Raptor Rehabilitation released a video showing the eagle's release.

It had been making steady progress since citizens and state police rescued it.

The eagle had crashed into a set of power lines on Dec. 22. State police said the eagle was spotted hitting the wires in the area of Ravine Road and Route 32 and witnesses told state police the bird fell straight to the ground after the incident.

Concerned motorists stopped, confirmed the eagle was still alive and helped protect it from traffic and further danger, state police said. One helper said the eagle was nearly hit twice while they were waiting for help to arrive, according to a state police report.

Sight lines on the stretch of road can be challenging.

Mansfield Resident Trooper Ashley Fillian responded to the scene and David Stevens, a Connecticut-licensed falconer who happened to be in the area, also stopped to assist, according to an incident report. The eagle was safely contained and kept calm until transport arrangements were made, state police said.

The eagle was then transported by Horizon Wings to Tufts Wildlife Clinic for evaluation and care.

Horizon Wings kept in contact with Tufts and then aided in his rehabilitation and eventual release.