Bald Eagle Recovers At Wildlife Center Near Noble

Staff and Wire Reports

NOBLE, Oklahoma -- A bald eagle that was injured when it crashed into a tractor-trailer rig will spend months recovering at the WildCare Foundation near Noble.

The eagle was injured last Thursday when it hit and broke the windshield of the rig on the Indian Nation Turnpike in Pittsburg County. A game warden rescued it and brought it to WildCare on Friday.

WildCare director Rondi Large said the male eagle's injuries are severe.  The bird suffered a broken leg and broken wing. Large said the eagle underwent surgery, which included putting a pin in its leg. 

"He's definitely very badly bruised on the left side of his body," said Large.  "[The eagle] took the majority of the blow to the windshield to the back of the head."

Large estimated it would take two to three weeks before the eagle could stand.  Once the bird is able to do that, workers at the wildlife center will begin rehabilitating the eagle.

Large said the eagle will likely remain at WildCare through the winter and could be released during spring.

Over the years, Large and WildCare have rescued all sorts of animals, even a pelican stuck on an ice-filled lake, and at least a dozen and a half bald eagles have received some tender loving care there.

"There's something very majestic about them, being the national symbol," said Large. "I have a son in the military, so it's what I can do to help the national symbol.  But they're just a very strong, magnificent bird to work with."