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The eagle was found on Saturday, Feb. 22, when Environmental Conservation officers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation responded to a trail near Croton Gorge Park, the DEC said on Thursday, March 13.
According to officials, a birdwatcher who discovered the eagle provided officers with an approximate location, and ECOs searched the area in the darkness until they found the bird.
The eagle was taken to Animal Nation, a wildlife rehabilitation facility in South Salem, where it later tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Due to the severity of the disease, wildlife officials made the difficult decision to euthanize the bird.
State officials are urging the public to be cautious if they encounter groups of deceased birds, as they may be infected with avian flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends safety protocols to limit contact with potentially infected wildlife.
Residents should avoid handling sick or dead birds and report any sightings through the DEC’s official website.
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