Franklin injured bald eagle shot, Wisconsin DNR believes

An injured bald eagle found in Franklin is believed to have been shot, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources officials said. It's the third such investigation for the DNR in 2022.

FRANKLIN, Wis. - An injured bald eagle found in Franklin Wednesday, Dec. 7 is believed to have been shot, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources officials said. It's the third such investigation for the DNR in 2022.

A DNR warden found the eagle and took the bird of prey to the Wisconsin Humane Society's rehab center. The bird suffered a fracture of the humerus bone in its wing as well as a substantial wound at the fracture site. The injury left the eagle debilitated on the ground. The tip of its beak was also broken.

The eagle had emergency surgery at the BluePearl Pet Hospital in Glendale. Exam results indicated the fracture was suspected to be a result of a gunshot injury. The eagle's blood work also revealed an elevated level of lead toxicity, with additional blood work and diagnostic tests pending.

Injured bald eagle found in Franklin

On Monday, Dec. 12, officials said it was too soon to know whether the eagle would survive.

"A bird this size requires at least two if not three handlers because he is a very feisty patient," said Angela Speed, Wisconsin Humane Society. "That’s pretty devastating to know that a human may have intentionally tried to hurt this eagle."

The DNR is asking for any and all tips that may be useful in identifying the responsible party or parties. To make an anonymous report, contact the DNR Tip Line at 1-800-847-9367.

Bald eagle injured, found in Franklin

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is caring for a bald eagle found in Franklin last Wednesday – and officials believe the bird of prey had been shot.

Eagles and their nests are federally protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Under the Eagle Protection Act, wounding or killing an eagle can result in a fine of $100,000 and one year in prison for a first offense, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A second violation is a felony and carries heftier punishments.

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An injured bird was found in April near the Washington-Ozaukee County line in Fredonia. An X-ray revealed a bullet in its body. That eagle had to be euthanized; an upsetting end for neighbors who were used to seeing it soar.

"That’s our American symbol," said Donna Knetter. "Maybe there’s someone out there with anger issues that did this."

In August, the Fellow Mortals Wildlife Hospital in Lake Geneva posted a different eagle had to be euthanized. She was found shot and injured in Caledonia in late July.

"Having three in one year is definitely not the norm," said Lt. Nick Miofsky. "They are really neat birds to have and see in southeast Wisconsin. We definitely want to protect them."

The DNR is also seeking tips in these other two cases which can be difficult to solve.

"It’s just hard to follow up when we don’t have people to talk to or people to follow up with to see what happens," said Miofsky.

In the meantime, the Wisconsin Humane Society is working with BluePearl Pet Hospital to save this latest injured eagle. They're hoping this time, the eagle will end up back where he belongs.

Injured bald eagle found in Franklin; had been shot, officials say

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is caring for a bald eagle found in Franklin last Wednesday – and officials believe the bird of prey had been shot.

The Wisconsin Humane Society's Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is Milwaukee County’s only licensed facility to care for injured and orphaned native wild animals. They do not receive any government funding and rely on the support of the community to fund their lifesaving work. To make a contribution to the Bald Eagle’s medical care, you are invited to visit https://wihumane.me/eaglecare2022 or call 414-431-6119.