Eagle rescued by RCMP, spends night in detachment off coast of Vancouver Island

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WatchTwo RCMP officers responded to an unusual call for help: an injured eagle. Kendall Hanson tells us their efforts to save the bird have paid off.

The Ahousaht RCMP point to a slogan on police recruitment posters that state “a career nowhere near ordinary,” after rescuing a bald eagle on Sunday.

On June 14, Ahousaht RCMP responded to reports of an injured bald eagle that was located on the roof of the Thunderbird Community Hall and in need of assistance.

Two police members attended the scene and immediately determined that further help would be needed, according to an RCMP press release.

This led police members to reach out to the Ahousaht Fire Department.

One of the members even retrieved his own personal dog crate and blanket, anticipating a course of action once the injured eagle was recovered.

With all hands on deck, a plan was developed in an effort to try and catch the injured bird, however, the winged warrior had other plans.

As authorities ascended onto the roof and towards the eagle, the bird got scared and slid off the top of the community hall.

According to the press release, that is when the members were able to assist the eagle with soft blankets, gently placing it into the dog crate.

This is definitely something that the RCMP don’t encounter often, but the members on shift did a great job in rescuing the eagle and planning for its eventual rehabilitation in Parksville, Ahousaht RCMP Detachment commander Cpl. Cedric Gnyp A neighbour even donated some fresh ling cod for the eagle so eat could eat well while it stayed in custody.

RCMP say that the eagle was well fed as it stayed overnight in the Ahousaht detachment.

The bird was then transported by an Ahousaht RCMP member on a day off to the North Island Wildlife Rescue Center in Parksville for further medical assistance and rehabilitation.

“We want to say thank-you to the RCMP for taking him in,” said Megan Beumann, an animal care technician with the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre.

“It’s going above and beyond and making sure he got to us and taking care of him overnight.”

Beaumann says the eagle’s injuries are consistent with being electrocuted after likely coming in contact with a power line.

“We don’t see any broken bones or anything like that which is great but the sad thing with electrocution is that it can take seven days for the full extent of the injuries to really show themselves.”

Staff says they see several shocked eagles each year.

It’s hoped this one will make a full recovery though it’s expected to take months.

Ahousaht is the principal settlement on Flores Island and is only accessible by water or air.

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Graham CoxGraham Cox

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