Police Officer Saves Injured Eagle at Huntley Meadows Park

Fairfax County Animal Control was called to Huntley Meadows Park this week for a report of an injured bald eagle that appeared unable to fly. Officer Kathy Prucnal, with nothing but a blanket, secured the eagle after pursuing it in the marshy woodlands.

The eagle reportedly hopped around among the brush piles, trees and tried to swim off, as the she pursued it. When a helpful park visitor blocked exit routes for the eagle, the officer was able to make the capture.

Park visitors witnessed the rescue and provided these photos (Patch will post more on our Facebook page) and accounts of the incident.

After taking the eagle to a veterinarian, it was determined that along with a broken wing, the eagle may have suffered from pesticide poisoning.

The vet treated the bird for both of these. It will be treated at a rehabilitation center in southern Virginia before being released back into the wild.

PHOTO of Officer Kathy Prucnal with injured eagle at Huntley Meadows Park by Mike Powell

Read about the photographer’s experience, and see more of his photos here.