Missouri Bald Eagle Mistakenly Rescued for Being 'Too Fat to Fly'
Wildlife officials initially thought the bird was injured, but X-rays revealed it had overeaten on a raccoon.
- The bald eagle was found near Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield and believed to be injured.
- X-rays at Dickerson Park Zoo showed the bird had gorged on a raccoon, making it unable to fly.
- The eagle was healthy and released after a short rehabilitation period at the zoo's wildlife hospital.
- Missouri is a leader in bald eagle conservation, with over 400 nests recorded last winter.
- Bald eagles are opportunistic feeders, often consuming carrion and injured birds.
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