The bald eagle is one of the most recognizable symbols of the United States, and once faced near extinction but has made a near-miraculous comeback, and is no longer on the Endangered Species List, though it does enjoy protected status.
This past Friday evening, motorist Lajune Norton, and several local law enforcement officers had a close encounter with two of the majestic raptors that they could never have imagined.
Norton was traveling along Thompson Road, in the Highpoint Community, when she came upon the birds in the roadway, who refused to move to let her around. A Google search informed her that the birds were bald eagles, and if they seemed to be in distress to call 9-1- 1.
Winston County Deputy Jody Garrard stated that the call came in at around 11:30; he responded to the scene and was soon joined by Deputies Blake Sheets and Detrick Sanders. Garrard stated that upon arrival it was obvious the birds were injured, and he didn’t know if they would survive, but as he approached they became quite aggressive, and having never dealt with such a situation, the next best thing to do was to contact Mississippi Game & Fish.
Game and Fish Officer Jay Shotts had no experience in dealing with eagles either, and after consultation with his superiors the officers were able to use blankets to surround the birds and place them in kennels. According to Garrard, the entire rescue effort lasted about three hours.
The following day the eagles were transported to Jackson Zoo where they will have a chance to rehab. Thanks to the quick thinking of a concerned motorist, and caring actions of these law enforcement officers, the impressive birds of prey will live to soar through the skies again.
