The eagles were found in the same spot over the course two days, according to wildlife organization The Raptor Trust
Credit: The Raptor Trust/Facebook
NEED TO KNOW
- Four bald eagles were found ‘weak and grounded in the same area’ of Warren County, N.J.
- The nonprofit The Raptor Trust suspects the birds may have suffered from acute toxicity and is awaiting lab test results
- The eagles are receiving care at a rehabilitation facility as state and federal wildlife agencies investigate the incident
Four bald eagles have been rescued after being found grounded in the same area in New Jersey.
An investigation is underway after three eagles "were found on the ground and weak" in Warren County, and another one was located in the same area the following day, the wild bird nonprofit The Raptor Trust said in an April 18 post on Facebook.
"Earlier this week, we took in three bald eagles that were found on the ground and weak in Warren County. The next day, we received another one," said the organization. "…Thanks to local animal control officers and agents from state and federal wildlife agencies, these birds were brought to The Raptor Trust promptly."
It is unclear what happened to the eagles or why they ended up unable to fly in the same location. The animal rescue organization suggested that the birds could be suffering from "acute toxicity."
"Samples have been sent to the lab for testing, and we expect diagnostic results in a few more days. We don't know exactly what happened to these birds, but the symptoms are consistent with some type of acute toxicity," said The Raptor Trust. "We hope to know more when we receive the lab findings."
Credit: The Raptor Trust
The Raptor Trust provides rehabilitation and medical care for wild birds and offers educational programs on conservation and wild birds at its facilities in New Jersey, according to its website.
The Raptor Trust is supervising the rescued eagles at the nonprofit's medical infirmary, as state and federal wildlife agencies gather more information about their condition.
"For now, we are providing supportive care and trying to keep the birds stable," The Raptor Trust continued. "While there has been some improvement in their condition, they are still in guarded condition while we wait for more information."
The grounding incidents were reported to both state and federal wildlife law enforcement for review, and an investigation has been launched, TAPinto Phillipsburg reported.
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PEOPLE has reached out to The Raptor Trust for further comment.
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