Eagle Injured in Collision with Vehicle on German Highway

Güstrow -- A majestic sea eagle is currently recovering after sustaining serious injuries from a collision with a vehicle on the A19 highway between Güstrow and Krakow am See, located in the Rostock district. The accident occurred when the eagle was feeding on a dead raccoon that had been left on the road. During this feeding, the bird collided with the vehicle's left side mirror, resulting in significant injuries that rendered it incapable of flight.

Authorities responded promptly to the incident, with local police contacting an expert for assistance. At the scene, Birgit Holdt-Lehmann, the chairperson of the German Falconry Association in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, stated that in cases involving raptors, they are often called directly to help. Since no veterinarian was available at the time, a falconer was dispatched to the accident site.

Falconer Ulrich Reppenhagen carefully rescued the injured eagle on Good Friday. The preliminary assessment indicated that the bird was in shock due to the trauma it experienced during the collision. To ensure a safe recovery, the eagle was placed in a large aviary in Loitz, located in the Vorpommern-Greifswald district.

Holdt-Lehmann emphasized the importance of preventing the eagle from flapping its wings, which could further damage its feathers. With a wingspan of approximately two meters, any unnecessary movement could jeopardize its ability to fly again. Additionally, it is crucial for the eagle to return to its natural habitat as soon as possible, as prolonged inactivity can lead to muscle atrophy, complicating its ability to hunt for food.

The recovery process is underway, with plans for the injured wing to be X-rayed and stabilized by a veterinarian. The eagle will also receive pain relief medication to aid in its recovery. Unfortunately, this means that the bird's return to the wild has been postponed, as it will require a rest period of two to three weeks after the medical evaluation.

Despite its challenging situation, there are positive signs for the eagle's recovery. On Saturday, it showed a strong appetite, consuming a portion of venison provided by the falconers, indicating that it is responding well to care.