Injured Bald Eagle Rescued, But The Story Takes An Unexpected Turn

TOWN OF CORTLANDT, NY — Hope turned to disappointment, when the rescue of a majestic bird was stymied by an unexpected test result.

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation says that two officers responded on Feb. 22 to a report of an injured bald eagle on a trail near Croton Gorge Park, in the town of Cortlandt.

A birdwatcher who came across the injured bird gave officers an approximate location of where the bird was on the trail.

ECOs Franz and Radomski found the injured eagle in the darkness and safely secured the bird for transport to Animal Nation, a wildlife rehabilitation facility in South Salem.

Animal Nation confirmed that the eagle later tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and was humanely euthanized.

The NYS Cooperative Wildlife Health Program (WHP) is monitoring the occurrence and impact of HPAI across the state. Confirmed cases are listed on the USDA website and are shown on the USGS map. The link for reporting observations can be found on DEC’s website.

The NYS DEC said that the public should strongly consider that groups of birds found dead are positive for HPAI and should follow safety protocols found at the CDC website to reduce contact. It is recommended that people avoid direct exposure to dead and sick birds and follow the proper guidelines.