Authorities rescued an endangered bald eagle that was struggling in Big Bear Lake, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation announced Sunday.
The department’s San Dimas Raptor Rescue team rescued the bird at approximately 1:30 a.m. Saturday, officials said. The team received the initial report of the distressed bird around 10:30 p.m. Friday, then traveled more than two hours to Big Bear before locating and safely rescuing the eagle.
Firefighters from San Bernardino County Station 96 located the eagle, initiated the rescue call and monitored the situation until the San Dimas Raptor Rescue arrived.
“Following the rescue, the team provided the eagle with a safe environment and initial stabilization before coordinating its transfer to a premier rehabilitation facility specializing in eagle care,” according to a county statement.
Officials said the “rescue reflects the importance of collaboration among emergency responders, wildlife organizations and permitted rehabilitation partners in protecting California’s native wildlife.”
LA County Parks officials are in contact with the local conservation nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley about the rescue, but the eagle’s identity has not been confirmed.
“Protecting native wildlife is an important part of LA County Parks’ mission, and we are proud of the San Dimas Raptor Rescue team for responding quickly, safely rescuing the eagle and ensuring it was transferred for specialized rehabilitation,” Parks Department Director Norma García-González said in a statement. “This rescue demonstrates the important role that trained wildlife professionals, emergency responders and permitted rehabilitation partners play in protecting California’s native species.”
The Bald eagle is a federally protected species and requires specialized rehabilitation permits issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. County officials said that while San Dimas Raptor Rescue provides crucial rescue and rehabilitation services for many native birds of prey, bald eagles must be cared for by facilities authorized specifically for eagle rehabilitation.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife lists the species as endangered.
When a bald eagle is found injured or otherwise in need, San Dimas Raptor Rescue works with its permitted partners to ensure the bird receives the specialized care required for recovery, officials said.
While the Parks Department appreciates public concern for the eagle and interest in its recovery, members of the public were asked not to call San Dimas Raptor Rescue for information or updates about the rescued bird.
Officials said the eagle has been sent “to a premier rehabilitation facility specializing in eagle care, and the Raptor Rescue will not have additional information about the eagle’s current status “and must dedicate its staff and resources to helping the raptors currently in its care.”
Updates about the eagle’s recovery will be shared by wildlife care and monitoring organizations as additional information becomes available, according to the LA County Parks.
