Bald eagle hit by vehicle, seriously injured on Oregon interstate (Photos)

An American bald eagle is recovering after being hit and seriously injured by a car on an Oregon interstate on Wednesday.

KGW-TV reported some drivers flagged down a fire truck on Interstate 84, near Northeast 102nd Avenue Wednesday afternoon, to alert firefighters that an injured bald bird was lying on the shoulder of the road.

Animal control officers picked up the bird, a male bald eagle with an 8-foot wingspan, and took it to the Audubon Society of Portland for evaluation, according to Lt. Rich Chatman of Portland Fire & Rescue.

The bald eagle was reported in guarded condition with a broken leg and spinal trauma, the Audubon Society said.

The bird was to undergo a CT scan early Thursday to help determine the extent of its back injuries.

An estimated 500 to 700 bald eagles winter in Oregon's Klamath Basin, where they feast on waterfowl that have likewise migrated south down the Pacific flyway.

The news of this bald eagle incident follows recent news out of Mississippi that a hunter pleaded guilty on Tuesday to the shooting death of a bald eagle.

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, Environment Examiner

Johnny Kelly is well-versed in the environmental field and has gathered broad college experience from majoring in meteorology and geography.  He looks to provide the latest updates on environmental and weather news as it develops and or changes.  He constantly promotes weather awareness.  You may...

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