Tennessee wildlife officials rescue bald eagle injured by gunfire

SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is actively investigating after agents discovered a bald eagle with an injury from gunfire.

TWRA agents Nathan Karch and Jason Shapton responded to a report involving an injured young bald eagle in Sumner County on Thursday, Nov. 14. A man in the area reportedly saw the eagle and called authorities. It remains unclear how long the injured eagle was in the area.

A "brief chase" ensued after Karch and Shapton arrived, but the officers were ultimately able to catch the eagle. The animal has since been transported to Walden's Puddle, a rehabilitation center located just outside of Nashville.

Upon examining the bald eagle — which is believed to be at least three years old — the officers "confirmed that the eagle had been shot."

The injuries did not appear to be life-threatening, and the bird is expected to survive. The animal won't, however, "be able to return to the wild," the TWRA said.

After a rehabilitation period, the agency plans to move the eagle to a sanctuary.

"Let's work together to safeguard these majestic birds," the TWRA said.

The bald eagle, a national symbol of the United States, is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Those found guilty of killing or intentionally injuring a bald eagle can be punished with prison time or hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, in some cases.