MILWAUKEE — A bald eagle found injured in Franklin last week has died, the Wisconsin Humane Society announced on Tuesday.
Officials said the bird went into cardiac arrest Monday night during a "complex and specialized" surgery to treat the injuries. They attempted to save the eagle through CPR but were unsuccessful.
"We cannot thank the community enough for the compassion and support shown for this special patient while our team of wildlife rehabilitators worked tirelessly over the past several days trying to save him," said WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in a statement. "We are mourning the loss of this eagle alongside our community."
On Monday, WHS officials suspected that the injured eagle had been shot.
The eagle was found last Wednesday on the ground, with a fracture on the humerus bone in the wing and the tip of its beak broken off. It also had a “substantial wound” at the fracture site.
A Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Conservation Warden brought the injured eagle to WHS.
After carrying out emergency surgery at the Blue Pearl Hospital and Speciality Care in Glendale - Avian and Exotics Service, experts found the wound seemed to have resulted from a gunshot injury.
Initial bloodwork had shown “elevated levels” of lead toxicity.
The DNR is asking for any tips to identify a suspect or suspects responsible for the suspected gunshot wound. Anonymous reports can be submitted to the DNR Tip Line at 1-800-847-9367.
Bald eagles — and their nests — are heavily protected under the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. These laws protect the bird from injuries or death at the hands of a person.
Violations to the Eagle Protection Act can result in a $100,000 fine and at least one year in prison, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Second violations are considered a felony and carry heftier punishments.