A Montgomery County police officer helped rescue a downed bald eagle near River Road in Potomac.
Police said that at about 8:45 a.m. Thursday, the Emergency Communications Center got calls from people reporting an injured eagle near River Road and Riverwood Drive.
Animal Services Division Officer Jennifer Gill responded and was told by a resident the eagle had walked into some nearby woods.
Gill found the eagle in the woods and together with Maryland Department of Natural Resources Officer Danny Thomas, wrapped it in towels and placed it in a carrier. It was taken to the Owl Moon Raptor Center in Boyds, a federally licensed wildlife rehabilitation center specializing in birds of prey.
Police said it appeared unable to fly.
The Owl Moon Raptor Center posted on Facebook Thursday night the eagle, which Gill named “Trust,” was likely hit by a vehicle on River Road probably as she was feeding on a nearby deer carcass.
The eagle sustained an injury to her left shoulder and had some internal bleeding.
The eagle recovering at the Owl Moon Raptor Center Thursday night via Owl Moon Raptor Center
“She appears to be feeling a little better tonight after receiving lots of fluids and medicine for pain and inflammation,” the Owl Moon Raptor Center’s post said. “Keep fingers crossed she continues to improve!”
The Owl Moon Raptor Center says it will take the eagle to the Bennett Creek Animal Hospital in Clarksburg for X-rays and further evaluation when she’s stable and stronger.
The facility thanked Gill and Thomas “for going the extra mile to rescue this gorgeous creature.”
Left: Suzanne Shoemaker of the Owl Moon Raptor Center and Animal Services Division Officer Jennifer Gill. Right: The eagle's talons. Via Montgomery County Police
