Two Rehabilitated Bald Eagles Released

Venango County Pennsylvania Game Commission officials on Aug. 2 released two rehabilitated bald eagles in conjunction with individuals from Skye’s Spirit Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Harrisville, Pa.

On Jan. 9, a downed, mature bald eagle was reported by John Struthers off Turner Station Road in Coolspring Township, Mercer County. Deputy Wildlife Conservation Officers Terry McClelland and Tom Jones, along with Mr. Struthers, captured the bird and transported it to Skye’s Spirit Rehabilitation Center in Harrisville.

The second bird, located on Airport Road, Venango County, was a 4-year-old bald eagle. Carol Wilson noticed the bird as she was driving on March 28. The impaired bird took flight, but ended up suspended upside down in a tree. Wildlife Conservation Officers Ronda Bimber and Steve Ace, along with Maryjane Angelo from Skye’s Spirit Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, retrieved the bird and transported it to Skye’s Spirit for evaluation and subsequent rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation took many months as the eagles needed to regain strength prior to their release.

“Skye’s Spirit is one of the few wildlife rehabilitation centers that is equipped and trained to handle bald eagles. We have worked with them on numerous occasions, and they have provided a great service in returning these majestic birds back to the wild” said Keith Harbaugh, Game Commission Regional Director.

Harbaugh noted that Skye’s Spirit Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, www.skyes-spirit.com, as well as other Pennsylvania licensed wildlife rehabilitation facilities, do their work to benefit Pennsylvania’s wildlife without any direct funding from taxpayers.

Both birds were successfully released at the site of their capture.

Pictured in Venango County, Robert Angelo & Wildlife Conservation Officer Ronda Bimber.
Game Commission photo

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