NORMAN — A bald eagle was recuperating at a wildlife care facility Monday, hours after it underwent surgery to repair a broken leg.
Rondi Large, director of WildCare, said the eagle injured itself Thursday when it hit the windshield of a semi-truck traveling the Indian Nation Turnpike in Pittsburg County. The force of the collision broke the windshield.
Large said a Pittsburg County game warden rescued the eagle and brought it to WildCare on Friday.
“His body is bruised,” Large said. “The back of his head was injured.”
She said the bird is able to keep his head upright.
“He doesn’t show any signs the hit impacted his brain,” Large said. “That’s positive for him.”
Large said the eagle also suffered a broken wing.
“We put a light wing wrap on that,” she said “It should heal. The left is the major concern at this point.”
Dr. Joe Carter, DVM, operated on the eagle’s left leg Monday morning at the Oklahoma Equine Hospital. The facility is located about five miles south of Norman.
“We X-rayed it and did surgery,” Carter said.
The procedure lasted about 45 minutes. Carter placed a pin inside the eagle’s leg.
Carter said the eagle should have an excellent prognosis.
“He’s awake and back at his enclosure at WildCare,” Carter said.
He said the eagle weighs about 10 pounds. It’s difficult to estimate it’s age other than it’s older than 5 years.
Carter said this is the fifth operation he has performed on a bald eagle. The pin will need to be removed from the leg in about eight weeks.
Large said the eagle seemed to be resting comfortably Monday afternoon.
“He’s not standing,” she said.
Caregivers don’t expect the bird to stand for at least another 24 to 48 hours.
“We will get some food and fluids into him,” Large said. “We want him to take it easy.”
Large said she expects to the eagle to remain at WildCare through the winter. He could be released in the spring.
Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@ normantranscript.com
