Eagle Hit By Car May Never Fly Again: Experts

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POTOMAC, MD — “Trust,” the bald eagle likely struck by a car, continues to heal from internal injuries, but a fractured bone might prevent her from flying again, experts say.

The female eagle was named by the Montgomery County Animal Services Division officer who rescued the bird March 3. Trust is being cared for at the Owl Moon Raptor Center, a wildlife rehabilitation center in Boyds specializing in birds of prey.

Staffers at the raptor center said on its Facebook page that Trust was likely hit by a vehicle on River Road, probably while feeding on a nearby roadside deer carcass. In a recent update, staffers said a veterinarian at Bennett Creek Animal Hospital determined Trust has a fracture in her left shoulder. A bone that supports the shoulder during flight was broken, “therefore, the prognosis for her returning to full flight is guarded,” center staff wrote.

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Caretakers have wrapped the injured wing to the eagle’s body to immobilize it for at least thee weeks, so the fracture can heal.

The checkup also found trauma to Trust's cranial air sacs from the impact with the car. While the experts think she can recover from this, it has affected her breathing. On Thursday the staff said there was no sign of bleeding in her mouth, which is likely a sign of healing.

In recent days Trust has eaten the venison, quail and fish given to her, which is a good sign.

The raptor center is a nonprofit entity, and donations are accepted to help care for the animals, including Trust. You can donate via the center's website.

» Trust recuperating at Owl Moon Raptor Center, courtesy of its Facebook