Injured Bald Eagle Rescued from Interstate 55 in Darien

Update: Sept. 29, 4:12 p.m. Photos courtesy of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and DuPage County Animal Care and Control.

The eagle suffered from head trauma, but he had no broken bones.

Experts believe the bird is a male, about 4 or 5 years old, Humiston said. He had a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service band on his leg, indicating he has had previous contact with humans.

Willowbrook Wildlife Center staff veterinarian Jen Nevis and wildlife keeper Alicia Seghi examined the bald eagle, as seen in these photos.

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An injured bald eagle was recovered Tuesday morning along Interstate 55 near the Cass Avenue exit in Darien.

An Illinois Department of Transportation crew found the eagle, and DuPage County Animal Care and Control and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County were contacted, said Deb Humiston, communications specialist for the forest preserve.

The raptor arrived around 10 a.m. at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn, and an initial exam showed the adult male eagle had abrasions on both wings. Forest preserve experts think he might have been hit by a car, but there were no obvious broken bones.

Humiston said the bird appears to be in fairly good condition. He seemed strong, healthy and feisty during the exam, but he’s stressed out. She said he’s been placed in an isolation room to give him time to settle down.

A more thorough exam and xrays may be performed Wednesday. Humiston said the more serious issues have been ruled out, but they don’t yet know the bird’s internal conditions.