Update: Rescued Bald Eagle Euthanized; Injuries Too Severe

A sad update to yesterday’s news about the injured Bald Eagle found and rescued at Huntley Meadows Park in Fairfax County.

Fairfax County Police report that the extent of the injuries to the bird, including ocular lesions in both eyes, indicated that it would not have been a good candidate for either permanent captivity or release back into the wild, according to wildlife experts.

Mike Powell, the photographer who captured the photos of the eagle and rescue said on Facebook:

“The dislocation of her elbow was chronic and so severe that eventual release was not a possibility and the doctors at the Wildlife Center of Virginia determined that humane euthanasia was the best treatment.”

Powell also reported that the 8-pound female had a low heart rate likely due to pesticide poisoning.

The eagle was humanely euthanized.

Read: Police Officer Saves Injured Eagle at Huntley Meadows Park

PHOTO of eagle by Mike Powell, via Fairfax County Police