The bald eagle rescued from southbound Interstate 5 in the Tumwater area last week is now being treated for a broken wing and leg at a wildlife sanctuary.
“These cases can be delicate, and while we are cautiously hopeful, recovery is not yet certain,” Twin Harbors Wildlife Center said in a social media post on Thursday, Feb. 19. “Our team is providing quiet, supportive care to give this eagle the best possible chance.”
The bird was clipped by a semi-truck and became stuck between the highway and a retaining wall on the right shoulder of I-5 near Trosper Road between 5 and 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15. At the time, officials did not know whether the bird was struck mid-flight or was hit on the ground.
Washington State Department of Transportation, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and concerned citizens stopped to help the eagle, with a Fish and Wildlife officer ultimately bringing the bird to Raindancer Wild Bird Rescue.
The rescue reported Feb. 16 that the eagle was “fiesty, eating, and has no palpable injuries,” and would be transported to Twin Harbors Wildlife Center in Montesano for radiographs and continued care.
“At this time the eagle is in guarded condition and under intensive monitoring,” Twin Harbors Wildlife Center said Thursday. “The results of his exam and x-rays show that the left wing and fibula (leg) are both fractured along with a couple of other possible issues.”
Twin Harbors Wildlife Center's mission is to provide humane care and rehabilitation to orphaned, ill, injured and displaced wildlife, with the goal of releasing the animals back to the wild.
“We are grateful for your support as we continue our work to send wildlife Back to the Wild,” the sanctuary said Thursday.
