Obese Bald Eagle Rescued from Wilson’s Creek, Found Healthy After Overeating Roadkill

Fox News Report on Oversized Bald Eagle Rescued from Wilson's Creek National Battlefield August 23 - A recent incident at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, part of the U.S. National Park Service, has left wildlife officials amused and bewildered. A bald eagle, initially thought to be injured, was later found to be overweight due to its excessive consumption of roadkill, primarily raccoons.

Discovery of the Eagle

The bald eagle, which did not appear to be able to fly, was discovered along the boundary of Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. Concerned park officials quickly contacted the Missouri Department of Conservation for assistance in capturing the bird for rehabilitation. To their surprise, further examination revealed that the eagle was not injured, but rather, it was simply too heavy to fly. Wildlife officials performed X-ray tests and were astonished to find that the eagle had a stomach full of raccoon roadkill, which had rendered it "too fat to fly."

The X-rays taken at Dickerson Park Zoo provided a clear view of the eagle's stomach, displaying the outline of what appeared to be a raccoon paw. The officials at Dickerson Park Zoo were able to provide visual proof of the eagle's consumption of the raccoon carcass. According to the American Bald Eagle Foundation, it is common for bald eagles to consume roadkill, as they will "feed on what is most available and requiring the least amount of energy to acquire it." In this case, the eagle had clearly seized the opportunity to indulge in the easy pickings of raccoon roadkill, leading to its unfortunate predicament. Larry O'Brien, a wildlife biologist at the Missouri Department of Conservation, stated, "We've seen eagles gorge themselves on carrion before, but this was a new one for us. It was quite a sight." This peculiar episode serves as a reminder of the resourcefulness and adaptability of wildlife, even in unexpected circumstances.

Release Back into the Wild

After receiving the necessary care and ensuring the eagle had lost the excess weight, wildlife officials released it back into the park, in accordance with federal and state laws. The bald eagle was set free near the area of its initial capture, marking the end of an unusual but enlightening chapter for both the bird and the wildlife officials. The successful rehabilitation and release of the eagle back into its natural habitat serve as a testament to the dedication and expertise of the wildlife officials involved in this incident. Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, the site of a significant Civil War battle and a testament to American history, continues to be a focus for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The presence of the bald eagle, albeit briefly, has added a unique chapter to the park's rich narrative, reminding visitors of the intertwined relationships between nature, history, and the commitment to wildlife conservation.