Bald Eagle Found “Too Fat” to Fly After Feasting on Roadkill
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, Missouri – In a surprising turn of events, a bald eagle initially believed to be injured because it couldn’t take flight was discovered to be in perfect health. The reason? The majestic bird was simply “too fat” after indulging in a large meal of roadkill.
The bald eagle was discovered along the boundary of Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, a historic site managed by the U.S. National Park Service. When first spotted, the inability of the eagle to fly raised immediate concerns about a possible injury.
Upon capture by the Missouri Department of Conservation for rehabilitation, an X-ray revealed the true reason behind the bird’s grounded state. “The bird, originally reported to be injured, was found to be healthy but engorged with raccoon – in other words, too fat to fly,” officials disclosed in a social media post.
X-ray evidence
The X-rays taken at the Dickerson Park Zoo provided a clear picture of the eagle’s overindulgence. The images showed the outline of what wildlife officials believe to be raccoon roadkill inside the bird’s stomach. The agency also released a photo that appears to show a raccoon paw within the eagle’s distended stomach.
Dietary habits of bald eagles
While fish make up approximately 70% to 90% of a bald eagle’s diet, the American Bald Eagle Foundation notes that these birds “will feed on what is most available, and requires the least amount of energy to acquire it.” This opportunistic feeding behavior led the eagle to feast on the easily accessible roadkill, causing it to become too heavy to fly.
Following the revelation, wildlife officials released the eagle back near the area where it was initially found, adhering to federal and state laws regarding wildlife.
Historical significance of Wilson’s Creek
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield holds significant historical importance as the site of the second major battle of the Civil War and the first significant confrontation west of the Mississippi River. It was here that U.S. Army officer Nathaniel Lyon was killed, becoming the first Union general to die during the war, according to the National Park Service website.
This unusual incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected challenges and fascinating behaviors encountered in wildlife conservation.