Bald Eagle Recovering After Gunshot Injury in Missouri

A bald eagle, dubbed patient 24-390, is recovering at the World Bird Sanctuary in Missouri after suffering a gunshot wound that nearly split its beak in half. The eagle, which also faced lead poisoning, has undergone three surgeries to repair its beak and jaw fractures, with further procedures anticipated. Despite the severe injuries, the eagle's care team remains cautiously optimistic, noting that healing signs are present and the bird is gaining strength. Concurrently, in Colorado, a pair of bald eagles at Standley Lake have successfully raised three eaglets, marking a turnaround after several years of failed nesting attempts. The eagle couple, resident since 1993, is now preparing for the young birds to leave the nest as they learn to hunt. Both stories highlight the ongoing challenges and successes in the conservation of these iconic birds, affected by both human actions and environmental factors.