BLAIRSTOWN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — The injured bald eagle rescued Monday night along Gasiler Road in Blairstown Township remains in critical condition, officials from The Raptor Trust told RNJ.
Christopher D. Soucy, EdM, executive director of The Raptor Trust, said the eagle arrived “in rough shape” with multiple injuries, including minor abrasions on both legs and feet, and a severe puncture and fracture at the left wrist.
“In addition to the fracture, the tissue damage was such that the tendons along the metacarpals were plainly visible from the outside. Not good,” Soucy said.
The eagle has undergone an initial round of X-rays and its wing has been wrapped and stabilized, but Soucy said the bird’s prognosis remains uncertain.
“It is a very guarded prognosis right now,” he said. “We’re doing everything we can to keep its overall condition stable, and if it responds well to treatment, we will X-ray again in a couple of days. Even if it remains stable, whether or not the fracture heals well enough for it to fly properly is something only time will tell.”
Soucy added that the eagle is one of 4,339 patients The Raptor Trust has admitted this year.
Animal Control Officer Robert Lagonera initially responded to the report of the injured eagle around Oct. 20, safely capturing the bird before it was transported to the facility for medical care.
The Raptor Trust, based in Millington, is one of New Jersey’s leading bird rehabilitation centers. Those wishing to support its efforts can donate at theraptortrust.org/donate.
