ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey is caring for a female bald eagle that was injured after being stuck in a storm drain Thursday in Orange County.
The Audubon Center's Michael Goldman said two eagles were fighting, most likely over territory, when they landed on a storm drain. When one of the eagles flew away, the female eagle fell into the drain.
Portions of Curry Ford Road near Goldenrod Road were shut down in Orange County as crews worked to rescue the eagle.
The medical team caring for the female eagle said it will take about six weeks for the bird to recover from its injuries and be released back into the wild.
“She’s got a lot of energy right now, which is great. Last night, she was still a little stunned, but she seemed to have come out of that state of shock,” said Goldman.
The 5-year-old eagle suffered injuries on her leg and chest, and has a cracked beak.
Experts said the eagle might have a virus because there was likely bacteria in the drain. They took blood samples and a veterinarian from Winter Park glued its cracked beak with epoxy.
Many onlookers believed that one eagle was protecting the other, but experts said that's not the case. Experts said the birds have a strong grip, and their talons are comparable to a 2-inch needle. Experts said eagles can fight to the death over territory.
The center said it takes about $3,000 on average to rehabilitate a bald eagle, and Thursday’s rescue is the 63rd of the year.
Want to help? Donate to Audubon Center