Source: 4WWL
Louisiana’s bald eagle population is thriving, but rising numbers have led to more injured birds needing treatment. The latest case involves a presumed male eagle, identified by its smaller size, now undergoing surgery at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. The bird was discovered in Bayou Gauche after a property owner reported it down; animal control officer Carson Breaux found it unable to fly and showing a serious leg injury, likely caused by electrocution near a power plant.
Breaux says St. Charles Parish sees multiple eagle rescues each year, often from vehicle strikes. According to LSU veterinarian Dr. Kimberly Boykin, cases have doubled, increasing from about 10 annually to more than 20 in recent years. LSU’s Wildlife Hospital performed surgery to repair the eagle’s leg and hopes to release it back where it was found so it can reunite with its mate. The rehabilitation program also trains Veterinary students and relies entirely on donations to fund long-term care and feeding for unreleasable wildlife.