Source: USA Today
A Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officer, Justin Pinkston, rescued a juvenile bald eagle with a fractured femur near Douglas Lake. The eagle, mistakenly identified as a golden eagle on social media due to its lack of a white head, is receiving treatment at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM). The eagle underwent successful surgery to repair its femur, with stabilizing pins placed during a 1.5-hour procedure.
Despite its hefty 8.8-pound weight, the bird’s recovery and potential release into the wild remain uncertain. The UTCVM is experienced in treating birds of prey, having recently performed cataract surgery on Challenger, a famous bald eagle educational ambassador. Juvenile bald eagles often appear larger than adults due to longer wing and tail feathers. Bald eagle populations have significantly rebounded since the DDT ban in 1972 and the protections of the Endangered Species Act, though they continue to face human-related threats, including vehicle strikes.
Read the full story HERE: https://ftw.usatoday.com/2024/06/tenessee-rescued-bald-eagle-huge-but-why-isnt-its-head-white