WHS: Bald eagle suspected to have been shot dies
Updated: 10 a.m. on Dec. 13, 2022
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The injured bald eagle being cared for by the Wisconsin Humane Society, who was believed to have been shot, has died.
WHS says the eagle made it through his initial surgery last week, but went into cardiac arrest Monday night during a complex and specialized surgery to stabilize his fracture and further treat his injuries.
Despite lifesaving efforts, including CPR, he was unable to be resuscitated.
"We cannot thank the community enough for the compassion and support shown for this special patient while our team of wildlife rehabilitators worked tirelessly over the past several days trying to save him. We appreciate the heroic efforts of the expert medical team at Blue Pearl Pet Hospital Milwaukee, and the officials with the DNR, whom we have been working with closely on this case. We are mourning the loss of this eagle alongside our community," WHS said in a release.
If you have any tips that may be useful in identifying whoever may have been involved in his injury, please contact the DNR Tip Line at 1-800-847-9367 to make an anonymous report.
Published: 10:22 a.m. on Dec. 12, 2022
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- An injured bald eagle being cared for by the Wisconsin Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is suspected to have been shot. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now asking for tips to find the person(s) responsible.
The eagle was found in Franklin last week, Dec. 7, after he suffered a broken wing, and the tip of his beak was broken. He was discovered and brought to WHS by a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation warden.
According to WHS, the eagle had emergency surgery at the Blue Pearl Hospital and Specialty Care in Glendale - Avian and Exotics Service to stabilize the fracture site. Exam results indicate that the fracture was suspected to be a result of a gunshot injury. His bloodwork also revealed an elevated level of lead toxicity, and additional bloodwork and diagnostic tests are still pending.
"Honestly, it's far too early to tell what his prognosis and outcome will be," WHS Vice President of Communication Angela Speed told CBS 58. "He's, you know, a big, strong bird, and we're doing everything that we can to give him a fighting chance to survive."
Eagles and their nests are federally protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Under the Eagle Protection Act, wounding or killing an eagle can result in a fine of $100,000 and one year in prison for a first offense, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A second violation is a felony and carries heftier punishments.
The DNR is asking for any and all tips that may be useful in identifying the responsible party or parties. To make an anonymous report, contact the DNR Tip Line at 1-800-847-9367.
“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. “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.”
Meantime, if you'd like to make a contribution to the eagle's medical care, CLICK HERE or call 414-431-6119.