Bald Eagle With Injuries Suspicious Of Gunshot Found In Franklin

MILWAUKEE, WI — A bald eagle was found in Franklin on Wednesday with a fractured wing and broken beak tip, and after bloodwork showed elevated lead levels, the Wisconsin Humane Society said its injuries are suspicious of a gunshot.

A Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Conservation Warden brought the eagle into the humane society, a news release from WHS said. The bird went into emergency surgery and is under the care of the Wisconsin Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

An x-ray shows a fracture suffered by a bald eagle found Wednesday in Franklin. (Wisconsin Humane Society)

“As long as he continues to improve and gain strength, he’ll have additional surgery in the coming days to ensure alignment of the bone as he heals,” said Crystal Sharlow-Schaefer, WHS wildlife director in a news release. “It’s far too early to tell how he’ll do, and his prognosis is heavily guarded, but we’re doing everything we can to give him a fighting chance to survive.”

The DNR in March confirmed the presence of an active bald eagle nest in Milwaukee County, marking the first time in decades that the raptors called every county in the Badger State home.

Beyond the active nesting pair confirmed at the time, three other pairs of bald eagles were believed to be forming a territory in the area this spring, according to Sharon Fandel, a conservationist biologist for the state DNR.

See also: A Bald Eagle Comeback: Birds Now Call Milwaukee County Home

The rehabilitation center caring for the injured eagle, the only one licensed in Milwaukee County, relies on community support and donations, WHS said. You can make donations online.

The DNR accepts anonymous tips at 1-800-847-9367. The agency asked for any and all tips that may be useful in finding the responsible party or parties, WHS said.