A Montgomery County officer rescued an injured bald eagle in Potomac on Thursday after it was apparently hit by a car.
The female eagle is recovering at a local wildlife rehabilitation center.
Just before 9 a.m., Montgomery County police were alerted to the injured eagle after someone saw the eagle walk into the woods.
Animals Services Division Officer Jennifer Gill met the concerned resident near the intersection of River Road and Riverwood Drive, and that person directed Gill to the bird's location. Once she found the eagle, Gill noticed that she may have sustained an injury keeping her from flying.
We received this beautiful bald eagle this morning from Montgomery County Police Animal Services Division and Maryland...
Posted by Owl Moon Raptor Center on Thursday, March 3, 2016
The rescue of the eagle -- whom Gill named Trust -- was a team effort. Gill wrapped the eagle in towels, and Maryland Department of Natural Resources Officer Danny Thomas helped Gill place the eagle in a carrier for safe transport to the Owl Moon Raptor Center in Boyds.
Montgomery County police later posted a YouTube video of officers preparing the eagle for her ride to the rehabilitation center.
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Staff at Owl Moon determined that Trust has a left shoulder injury, as well as some internal bleeding.
They think she was probably hit by a vehicle on River Road. It appeared that the injury was new, because the eagle was at a healthy weight, they said.
Suzanne Shoemaker, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator at Owl Moon, told NBC Washington that the eagle was "a little brighter" Friday. She ate a fish, and the bleeding in her mouth seems to have resolved, Shoemaker said.
Shoemaker said she didn't know what the prognosis is yet for flight. She said the eagle's shoulder doesn't seem to be broken, but that they'd know more after X-rays are performed. Owl Moon has been waiting until the eagle is stronger before taking her for X-rays, but Shoemaker said they might take her Saturday.
"Many thanks to Montgomery County Police Department Animal Services Division and Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Wildlife & Heritage Service 'for going the extra mile' to rescue this gorgeous creature," Owl Moon Raptor posted on Facebook.
If you ever come across a distressed eagle, you are asked to contact law enforcement and not touch the bird. Federal law prohibits the "disturbing" of bald eagles.
