English
Spanish
UPDATED 4/22/2025
(April 16, 2025)
A majestic bald eagle is now on the road to recovery at the Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas after a life-threatening entanglement along the Neches River. Approximately four years old, the national bird was rescued in late March when the bird’s wing became caught in a fishhook and fishing line hanging from a nearby tree
The line left the eagle partially submerged in chest-high water, completely trapped and unable to fly or escape. Vulnerable to predators and exposed to the elements with no access to food or water, the eagle was in critical condition.
Thanks to a swift and careful rescue, the eagle was transported to our Wildlife Center, where our expert team safely removed the embedded fishhook.
As you head out to enjoy spring and summer fishing, please dispose of fishing line and hooks properly. Wildlife can easily become entangled, leading to painful and often fatal injuries. Your care makes a difference!
The eagle spent a few days in our Outdoor Flight Complex regaining strength and mobility—a critical phase of his rehabilitation that will prepare him for release back into the wild. While the eagle practiced flight in a safe, open-air environment, wildlife enthusiasts watched the eagle’s progress in real time through our Wildlife Cams in Aviary 1 and 2.
A few weeks ago being rescued, the eagle was flying full circles and ready to return to the wild. This triumphant moment encapsulated the ultimate mission of our Wildlife Center: to rescue, rehabilitate, and release native wildlife to their natural habitat. Without hesitation, the eagle took to the skies, all thanks to the effort and dedicated care of our Wildlife Team. Check out the release video below!
Here are a few fun facts about eagles you probably didn’t know!
- Chosen as the national bird in 1782, the bald eagle symbolizes strength and freedom.
- Their wingspan can exceed 7 feet, about the width of a small car.
- They can soar up to 10,000 feet and dive at speeds of 75–100 mph to catch prey.
- After nearing extinction in the lower 48 states, bald eagles were removed from the federal endangered species list in 2007 thanks to conservation efforts.
