A bald eagle soaked from heavy rains at a Brantford, Ont., garbage dump was rescued by bylaw officers and is currently recuperating at a wildlife rehabilitation center. Chantal Theijin, the wildlife custodian at Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge, described the eagle as resembling a smelly drowned rat when they found her. The eagle was likely scavenging at the dump during the rainstorm that hit parts of Ontario on Monday.
Ian Harrower, the City of Brantford’s supervisor of bylaw compliance, received a call about the immobile eagle at the dump. It took a team effort of around six people to rescue the bird, with staff using dirt bikes to guide the eagle towards them. The rescue operation, lasting about 40 minutes, involved maneuvering through wet garbage and mud.
The eagle, showing signs of mysterious “goo” on her feathers, was safely transported to Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge for further care. The refuge, funded by community donations, provides sanctuary for various wild animals. The eagle is expected to recover in two to four weeks, needing time for her feathers to heal. Despite her intense gaze, Theijin remains understanding, noting that aggressive behavior signifies the bird’s recovery process.