Iowa Bald Eagle Recovers After Crashing Into a Semi
Photo: pxhere
For one semi-truck driver in Iowa, it was just a normal Wednesday morning — until a bald eagle hit his windshield. Thankfully, both driver and the bird survived the incident.
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The incident
The collision happened on Interstate 80 near Exit 225 around 9:45 a.m. The truck driver notified local authorities so they could inspect his truck and assist with the injured bird. Upon arriving at the scene, Iowa State Patrol senior trooper pilot Jon Degen expressed surprise that the bird survived such a strong impact. Per the Iowa City Press-Citizen, it took out the whole windshield. “I couldn’t believe it was still alive,” said the driver.
The police roped in Iowa Department of Natural Resources to help rescue the eagle. They arrived on the scene with a large crate. The eagle was in a ditch on the side of the road with its wing tucked underneath it, unable to fly. They tossed a blanket over it and placed it in the crate.
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The road to recovery
The eagle is now recovering at the Raptor Advocacy Rehabilitation Education group’s rehab center. Per conservation officer Erika Billerbeck, it’s common for birds to get hit by cars but less common for eagles. The bird is convalescing from road rash and frostbite injuries. But he’s eating and taking meds, which is a positive sign. They haven’t discovered any broken bones, but the team is awaiting X-ray results for further diagnosis.
The RARE center helps 20 eagles every year, according to the center’s marketing and fundraising coordinator Jordan Lattner. Iowa residents who encounter any injured eagles on the road or elsewhere are encouraged to contact the rehab center at 319-248-9770.
Whitney Russell resides in Dayton, though her spirit can be found beach-bumming in Puerto Rico (the land of her half-Puerto Rican heritage). When not crafting car-related content, she can be found chasing after the most amazing toddler in the world, watching her “beaver” of a husband build amazing woodworking projects, hanging out with two crazy dogs, and visiting family and friends. She also enjoys traveling, crafting, and binge-watching period dramas when time allows. See more articles by Whitney.