Injured Bald Eagle Found On Ground In Texas Euthanized

Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter

BEAUMONT (AP) — An injured bald eagle found on the ground near an elevated electrical transmission line in Southeast Texas suffered burns and had to be euthanized.

Matthew Fortenberry with Beaumont Animal Services on Tuesday announced the death of the female eagle dubbed Hope.

Fortenberry says some people in Beaumont on Monday saw the injured full-grown eagle standing near the line. Hope had burns on her head and an injured foot.

Fortenberry says the bird, estimated to be about 3-years-old, was transported to an animal rehab center but had to euthanized due to electrocution, likely from a nearby power line. Officials are trying to determine if she left behind a nest.

Bald eagles are no longer considered endangered but are protected under federal law, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)