Pasco County Fire Rescue assists in the rescue of a bald eagle

Pasco County Fire Rescue assists in the rescue of a bald eagle

Pasco County Fire Rescue Station 21 heard a knock on the station door around 4 PM this afternoon. When Driver Engineer Jerry Brown opened the door, he was greeted by two kids holding an injured bald eagle. The Eagle was tired, and its beak was wrapped in fishing line. After closer examination, Firefighters realized that the Eagle was underweight, a fishing hook was through his beak, and a fishing line was wrapped around his wing. The line was preventing the Eagle from eating and flying. The crew called for assistance from the Owl's Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife in Odessa. Dianne, a volunteer from Owl's Nest Sanctuary, hopped in her car and headed to station 21 to assist. It appears that the Eagle was wrapped in the line for about two days, was underweight, and dehydrated.

The team loaded it into a crate, and Dianne transported the Eagle to the Owl's Nest Sanctuary for treatment. Owl's Nest Director Kris removed the hook and examined the Eagle. After the Eagle is deemed stable, it will be transported to Busch Gardens for further treatment.

Thankfully the Eagle appears in good health, and veterinarians believe that the Eagle will fully recover. After the Eagle is cleared from Busch Gardens, it will be released back in the area of Station 21.

A big thank you to everyone who helped save this bald Eagle's life! We are #PascoProud and thankful for this happy outcome!

Photo: Pasco County Fire Department