Bald eagle with trap on leg caught, freed near Friday Harbor

Credit: San Juan Islander



FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash. -- A bald eagle was freed Tuesday after being seen flying around False Bay with a trap on its leg.

The Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center said they were able to catch the eagle and remove the trap. They said the eagle was thin and will need to have the tip of the toe amputated where the trap was. They added the eagle was still feisty and in relatively good shape.

They added, "If you were lugging around just under a quarter of your body weight, you'd be tired too!"

It is illegal to capture a bald eagle. The bird is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and you can face a hefty fine and time in prison if you violate the act.