On a rural two-lane highway, we came around a bend to find several cars pulled off the road and a crowd of people gesturing at something in the road. As I approached, I could see that it was a Golden Eagle, standing on one leg, stunned and unable to move himself out of harm’s way.
I came up behind him, gently covered him with my coat and picked him up, taking care to cover his talons. People were yelling, “He’ll tear your face off”, “How dumb can you get?” and “You touch him you go to jail!”
As I listened to the bystanders, I thought, ”So, put me in jail. I won’t stand here and watch him get hit again.”
He was so big, his tail feathers protruded over the gearshift and his beak rested on my right shoulder. He soon began to shiver, then struggle. It took all my strength to keep him from getting loose in the car. My cat slunk under the driver’s seat while my two labradors sniffed him and judiciously retreated to the back seat. They clearly sensed the tremendous power of this species of raptor known to take down prey as large as small deer, fox and even goats.
Unable to get a signal on my cell, we took him to the nearest town, hoping to find a game warden or forest ranger. Two towns, four stops and three hours later we finally turned him over to Martin Tyner, Falconer and Director of Southwest Wildlife Foundation, who said the eagle was a three year old male.
Cautionary Note for All Readers:
While Randy’s rescue story is incredible and not one we’ll soon forget, readers are cautioned to use extreme care around wild animals who can be quite dangerous when put into a fight or flight situation. Always attempt to reach a wildlife rehabilitator for guidance in order to protect yourself and the injured animal whose condition could be inadvertently worsened despite good intentions.
Written by Randy Brady of Utah, USA ( http://animalrescuechase.com/)
I came up behind him, gently covered him with my coat and picked him up, taking care to cover his talons. People were yelling, “He’ll tear your face off”, “How dumb can you get?” and “You touch him you go to jail!”
As I listened to the bystanders, I thought, ”So, put me in jail. I won’t stand here and watch him get hit again.”
He was so big, his tail feathers protruded over the gearshift and his beak rested on my right shoulder. He soon began to shiver, then struggle. It took all my strength to keep him from getting loose in the car. My cat slunk under the driver’s seat while my two labradors sniffed him and judiciously retreated to the back seat. They clearly sensed the tremendous power of this species of raptor known to take down prey as large as small deer, fox and even goats.
Unable to get a signal on my cell, we took him to the nearest town, hoping to find a game warden or forest ranger. Two towns, four stops and three hours later we finally turned him over to Martin Tyner, Falconer and Director of Southwest Wildlife Foundation, who said the eagle was a three year old male.
Cautionary Note for All Readers:
While Randy’s rescue story is incredible and not one we’ll soon forget, readers are cautioned to use extreme care around wild animals who can be quite dangerous when put into a fight or flight situation. Always attempt to reach a wildlife rehabilitator for guidance in order to protect yourself and the injured animal whose condition could be inadvertently worsened despite good intentions.
Written by Randy Brady of Utah, USA ( http://animalrescuechase.com/)
I guess I would have gone to jail with you... I could not let this magnificent animal be hit by a car once again. I commend you for your courage. Blessings, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart
I would have done the same thing. I could not sit by while the Eagle died. Cudos to you for saving him!
Thank you Randy....White Wolf please keep us updated to his condition!
Ok :)