A rescued bald eagle at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park had to be euthanized earlier this week after being brought to local veterinarians.
Park employees say the eagle had injuries from a gunshot wound that were too severe to recover from. That included damage to the wing and tissue, keeping it from flying and causing it ongoing pain.
“That's when they took it back to their office and had it looked over by the vet and determined that it had actually been shot, and not just like an accidental break or anything like that,” said Lake Cumberland naturalist Curtis Pelston.
Pelston helped rescue the eagle Tuesday with crew members at the local Liberty Nature Center after spotting it the evening before. He said conserving the rare bird is important to the region.
“We don't ever want to take that away from future generations. Especially eagles, they're just so majestic and so cool just to see out and about.”
Shooting at bald eagles is a federal offense, punishable by fines up to $100,000, one year in prison or both. Those with knowledge of the incident can report it to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife.
