Injured by Gunfire, Bald Eagle to Live Out Life in Sanctuary
SUMNER COUNTY, TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) — The Bald Eagle, a revered symbol of strength, power, and America, has once again reminded us of its vulnerability. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Sgt. Nathan Karch and Robertson County Officer Jason Shapton responded to a distressing call about a possibly injured bald eagle in Sumner County.
Upon arriving at the scene, the officers confirmed the raptor was indeed a bald eagle. “We were able to locate it and eventually catch it after a short foot chase,” said Officer Shapton. The eagle was promptly transported to Walden’s Puddle, a wildlife rehabilitation center in Joelton, Tenn.
It was later confirmed that the eagle had been shot. Though the bird is expected to survive its injuries, it will not regain the ability to live independently in the wild. Plans are underway to rehome the eagle to a sanctuary, where it will live out its life in safety.
Tennessee is home to more than 175 nesting pairs of bald eagles that reside primarily in the state year-round. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to protect these majestic creatures.
The illegal shooting of a bald eagle is a serious offense. Bald eagles are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Violations of these laws carry maximum criminal penalties of up to a $250,000 fine and two years in federal prison. This case is currently under investigation.
