A bald eagle drenched in rainwater and grounded at a Brantford, Ont., landfill was rescued and is now under care at a wildlife rehabilitation center. Bylaw officers encountered difficulties but eventually managed to extract the eagle from the Brantford Landfill Site Scale on Monday.
Describing the rescue, Chantal Theijin, the authorized wildlife custodian at Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge in Nanticoke, likened the eagle’s condition to that of a thoroughly soaked rat and mentioned the pungent odor emanating from the box she was in. Theijin speculated that the eagle likely became stranded at the dump during heavy rains that hit parts of Ontario.
Ian Harrower, supervisor of bylaw compliance for the City of Brantford, narrated the challenging rescue operation, which involved multiple individuals coaxing the uncooperative bird out of the landfill using dirt bikes and teamwork. The eagle eluded capture by hopping over obstacles until eventually being cornered and covered with jackets by the rescuers.
The entire rescue operation lasted approximately 40 minutes, with Harrower mentioning that dealing with a distressed bird was a departure from their usual bylaw enforcement duties. The eagle was transported to Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge for further care, with concerns about a possible wing injury proving unfounded.
Theijin highlighted that Hobbitstee regularly assists eagles in distress and operates on donations from the community. The current eagle patient is expected to fully recuperate within two to four weeks, needing time for feather restoration due to contamination from an unknown substance.
Despite the eagle’s formidable demeanor, Theijin expressed patience and understanding, emphasizing the bird’s aggressive behavior as a positive sign of recovery. The refuge accepts various wildlife species and provides care at no cost, relying on community support for its operations.