Bald eagles are renowned for their majestic appearance and are often referred to as America's national treasure. However, even these regal birds can have their embarrassing moments. A man witnessed a bald eagle suddenly plummet to the ground, where it lay with its eyes wide open, looking endearingly awkward. This unusual sight prompted the man to seek help from a local wildlife conservation society, which discovered that the eagle had been injured while chasing prey and accidentally collided with power lines.
In British Columbia, Canada, a man named Graham Adderley witnessed an adult bald eagle fall from the sky like a stone. Although the eagle was not injured from the fall, it looked up at Adderley with a goofy expression, leaving him surprised. Adderley quickly grabbed his phone to take photos and videos, exclaiming, "My goodness, I've never seen a bald eagle look so clumsy!"
Adderley explained that the eagle seemed to be either chasing prey or trying to escape a crow when it accidentally hit the high-voltage power lines, causing it to plummet to the ground. Fortunately, the eagle was still alive. Adderley and several passersby immediately contacted local wildlife rescue services for assistance. When rescue personnel arrived, they found the injured eagle unable to fly, struggling on the ground, and even falling under a car at one point. Luckily, the rescue team used a net to capture the eagle and transport it to the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (OWL) for emergency treatment.
After an initial examination by the veterinary team, it was discovered that the eagle's left wing was at an unusual angle, but it was unclear whether the injury was due to muscle bruising from the fall or vascular damage from the electric shock. After several days of observation, it was confirmed that the eagle had suffered a shoulder injury. Following three weeks of meticulous care, the eagle showed remarkable resilience and appetite, eventually allowing its bandages to be removed and beginning its rehabilitation.
Rob Hope, the general manager of OWL, expressed gratitude to the good Samaritans who reported the injured eagle. Without their help, the eagle might have frozen to death. After removing the bandages from its wing, the eagle began undergoing light activity tests to assess its recovery. If all goes well, it is expected to return to the skies within two to three months.
