Bald Eagle Rescued Near Metro Tracks In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — An injured bald eagle near the Metro tracks in Alexandria got a helping hand Wednesday.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria received a call about an eagle appearing to be injured at Cameron Run Regional Park, according to WTOP. Animal services officers, Metro Transit police officers and animal care technicians helped get the eagle into a carrier. A Metro spokesperson told WTOP trains moved at reduced speeds so the eagle would avoid the tracks and wouldn't get frightened.

Upon assessing its injuries, they found the bird had an open wound on its wing. The bird is on the way to Blue Ridge Wildlife Center to further assess injuries and determine a plan for care, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria said in a Facebook post.

According to the National Audubon Society, bald eagles can be found in Virginia. Experts attributed population declines to shootings before they had federal protection and pesticides like DDT, which was banned. The bald eagle is protected under federal laws, and the population has been recovering since the 1970s.

For animal-related emergencies in Alexandria, call 703-746-4444 for assistance.