Bald eagle recovering after rescue by California hiker
Photo: Ali Crumpacker/HSUS
SAN DIEGO (AP) — A bald eagle is recovering after a hiker found it lying near death on a California trail.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the adult male bird was barely moving when found in Ramona Monday night. The Fund for Animals Wildlife Center Director Ali Crumpacker says the bird was dehydrated and had no food in his stomach.
Veterinarians suspect the eagle has West Nile Disease and are waiting on blood tests that could confirm the diagnosis. Crumpacker says the eagle seems to have perked up with food and antibiotics, although he can't fly yet.
If the bird is able to fly properly, he will be reintroduced into the wild. If the disease has hindered his ability to fly, he could go to a sanctuary.
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Information from: The San Diego Union-Tribune, http://www.utsandiego.com