Rescued Hudson River bald eagle in very serious condition at Morris County wildlife rehabilitation center

MILLINGTON, N.J. (Morris County) — An adult bald eagle rescued from the Hudson River by the NYPD Harbor Patrol is in very serious condition at a Morris County wildlife rehabilitation center, officials said.

The Raptor Trust, which is caring for the bird in coordination with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, said it has received numerous inquiries about the eagle since its rescue Feb. 17.

According to the nonprofit, the eagle was banded as a juvenile in Stony Brook, New York, in 2005 and has successfully nested for many years.

The bird was transported to The Raptor Trust on Feb. 17 by New York environmental conservation officers and remains in critical care.

Initial diagnostic testing showed no significant levels of lead and no systemic infection, the organization said in an update released Feb. 19. Lead poisoning is a common cause of illness in bald eagles, but the bird’s lead levels were within normal ranges.

While ruling out lead poisoning and infection narrows potential causes, the eagle remains in very serious condition. Staff members are providing supportive care in an effort to stabilize the bird before conducting further diagnostics, including additional imaging and blood work.

Officials said they will continue to monitor the eagle closely as they work to determine a course of treatment.