Bald eagle rescued in Missouri wasn't injured: It was too fat to fly
(L) X-ray of a bald eagle that shows the outline of a racoon paw inside its stomach. (R) X-ray of the back of the bald eagle. Its wing, head and leg bones are visible. Its distended stomach is circled. Images: Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
Wildlife officials in Missouri said a bald eagle has been rehabilitated after it was having trouble flying.
The Missouri Department of Conservation captured the bird near Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, which is in the southwest corner of the state about 50 miles from Branson.
The bird was found unable to fly and animal experts initially thought it was injured.
In an open field a bald eagle sits, its head turned to look at the camera. A large dog carrier with its door open is to the left of the frame. Image: Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
But upon further examination, the bird was found to be healthy overall but currently engorged from its latest meal - "in other words, too fat to fly," Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield shared on social media.
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In the wild, a bald eagle’s diet is "opportunistic and varied," according to the National Park Service, but most feed mainly on fish. Some may also sometimes feed on smaller mammals or birds.
X-rays of the captured bald eagle showed the outline of a small paw inside the bird’s stomach, which is believed to be a raccoon’s paw.
A check-up also found the bird’s stomach to be distended.
Experts believe the bird feasted on raccoon roadkill.
In an open field a bald eagle flies towards the tree line. You can see its yellow feet peaking out from behind its splayed tail feathers. Image: Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
After some rehabilitation, the eagle was released near where it was found in compliance with federal and state laws.