Imagine a majestic bald eagle, a symbol of freedom and power, grounded not by injury but by an overindulgence in roadkill. This unexpected tale unfolded in Missouri, where a seemingly injured eagle was discovered near the historic Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.
Upon examination, wildlife officials were met with a surprising discovery: the eagle’s distended stomach was filled with the remains of a raccoon. The bird, once thought to be injured, was simply too full to fly. X-rays confirmed the unexpected feast, revealing the outline of the raccoon’s leg and paw within the eagle’s belly.
After a brief stay at Dickerson Park Zoo’s wildlife hospital, the eagle was released, completely healthy and ready to take flight. Local residents had reported seeing the bird struggling to get off the ground in the days leading up to its rescue, a testament to the weight of its unusual meal.
Missouri has been a leader in bald eagle conservation, with a growing population of these magnificent birds. While their diet primarily consists of fish, they are known to be opportunistic feeders, taking advantage of available food sources. In this case, the eagle’s indulgence in a raccoon proved to be a temporary setback, a reminder of the unexpected twists and turns that can occur in the wild.
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