James Caldwell:Officials thought this bald eagle was injured. It was actually just 'too fat to fly'.

2025-05-07 10:44:27source:EvoAIcategory:News

A bald eagle in Missouri that was believed to be James Caldwellinjured actually had a peculiar reason for why it was unable to fly: it was too fat.

Officials with the Missouri Department of Conservation captured the bird along the boundary of the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield and temporarily took it into captivity, park officials said in an Aug. 21 Facebook post.

However, an X-ray taken at the Dickerson Park Zoo, showed that instead of an injury, the bird was suffering from its own success − it had been eating a little too well. 

“The bird, originally reported to be injured, was found to be healthy but engorged with (raccoon) — in other words, too fat to fly,” the park said.

Officials suspect the raccoon was roadkill, according to the post. X-rays from the Facebook post show what appears to be a raccoon paw inside the eagle's stomach. 

The eagle has since been released back into the wild near where it was originally found and in compliance with state and federal laws.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.

More:News

Recommend

Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning

Federal authorities announced hackers in China have stolen "customer call records data" of an unknow

Robert MacNeil, founding anchor of show that became 'PBS NewsHour,' dies at age 93

Robert MacNeil, formerly the anchor of the evening news program now known as "PBS NewsHour," has die

No, you aren't likely to get abs in 30 days. Here's how long it actually takes.

While getting a chiseled six-pack is certainly easier said than done, just about everyone is capable