A drenched bald eagle stranded at a Brantford, Ont., landfill was successfully rescued and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at a wildlife care center.
Bylaw officers faced challenges but managed to extract the eagle from the Brantford Landfill Site Scale on Monday. Describing the situation, Chantal Theijin, the designated wildlife custodian at Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge in Nanticoke, mentioned the eagle was heavily soaked and emitted a foul odor, resembling a waterlogged creature. Theijin suspected the eagle was caught in heavy rains that hit parts of Ontario on the same day while likely scavenging at the dump, a common practice among these majestic birds.
The rescue operation, led by Ian Harrower, supervisor of bylaw compliance at the City of Brantford, involved a team effort of around six individuals. Despite the challenging circumstances of working near wet garbage and mud, the team managed to corral the bird using dirt bikes and jackets. The entire endeavor at the landfill lasted approximately 40 minutes.
Harrower noted that their usual tasks involve property standards and similar complaints, making the eagle rescue a unique experience. Following concerns of a potential broken wing, the bird was transferred to Hillside Kennels Animal Control, which then facilitated her transport to Hobbitstee.
At Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge, where they receive various wildlife species, the eagle is expected to recover within two to four weeks. Theijin highlighted that despite the bird’s recovery progress, it displayed a fierce demeanor, a common trait among animals in rehabilitation.
The refuge, funded solely by community donations, is accustomed to rescuing eagles, with Theijin mentioning they handle a significant number each year. The eagles are among the diverse array of animals, including squirrels, foxes, coyotes, and hawks, that the refuge cares for without charge.
The current eagle’s recovery process involves allowing time for her feathers to heal after being cleansed due to the presence of an unknown substance affecting her natural oils. Despite the eagle’s intense gaze, signaling her recovery, Theijin expressed contentment with the bird’s progress, emphasizing that such behavior is a positive sign in wildlife rehabilitation efforts.