LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — Quick thinking, action and collaboration from a Lancaster County non-profit helped save the lives of two trapped bald eagles.
Raven Ridge Wildlife Center, a wildlife rehabilitation center in Washington Borough, Lancaster County, posted on Facebook that a rehabilitator received an unexpected call from a dedicated Capture Transport Volunteer.
A rock climber discovered an eagle trapped under a boulder at Susquehanna Riverlands State Park and immediately alerted the DCNR office for help.
"In no time, the DCNR team sprang into action, taking a gator down to the base of the trail. They surveyed the rugged terrain, assessing the situation from afar, knowing that handling an adult bald eagle requires careful training and specialized equipment," the Facebook post reads.
Recognizing the urgency, the DCNR team reached out to a member of the Raven Ridge Wildlife Center who arrived on-site by 2:30 p.m.
The volunteer quickly realized that not one, but two bald eagles were trapped. At first glance, first responders thought the second eagle had already passed- but soon noticed movement.
Understanding the critical nature, the volunteer called a rehabilitator. As daylight began to fade, crews gathered towels and gloves before setting off toward the trail.
At the base of the rock formation, the volunteer began her ascent up the large boulders, reaching the trapped eagles by 3:30 p.m. Although the second eagle was alive, its condition needed further evaluation.
"The supportive DCNR team helped by moving some rocks as Tracie [with Raven Ridge] focused on freeing the first eagle, successfully accomplishing this after just 15 minutes," the Facebook post states. "The first eagle was carefully placed in a crate."
Unfortunately, the second eagle presented a more complex challenge- needing extra attention and careful positioning.
"However, by 4 p.m., with day fading, we are thrilled to report that both eagles had been rescued!" officials with Raven Ridge wrote. "We were incredibly lucky to have found them; without this teamwork, survival would have been uncertain."
Lancaster County non-profit rescues two bald eagles trapped under a boulder
Currently, the surviving eagles are safe at the Raven Ridge Center, receiving much-needed care. The female eagle has a significant skin laceration on her left leg, along with some cuts on her face and talons. Officials with Raven Ridge tested both eagles for lead poisoning; thankfully, the female's results were negative, while the male tested positive at 10 μg/dL. He also reportedly sustained cuts and bruises and has started chelation therapy.
It's speculated that- while a bit early in the season- the bald eagles may have initiated their mating ritual. Courtship behaviors can be quite subtle or more striking. According to Raven Ridge officials, eagles may engage in aerial displays, including high-speed changes, rising on thermals and performing breathtaking acrobatics.
"Often, they dive toward the ground with locked talons, separating just moments before impact. We believe this scenario may have played out, resulting in the unfortunate inability to unlock their talons in time before hitting the ground," officials with the non-profit wrote on Facebook.
