A bald eagle shot and injured near Duncan will likely have to be euthanized.
The bird was believed to be the target of a shotgun blast, and the animal is now under close watch at North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre in Errington.
It’s not an isolated incident. A second bald eagle and a golden eagle have also been turned in with gunshot injuries since February, making for a troubling trend for those who care for the injured birds of prey.
Reports of gunshot wounds to eagles and other wild birds happen more often than most people would imagine, but this latest string of incidents is considered unusual.
“We’ve had quite a few in the last little while,” said Julie Mackey, NIWRC assistant manager.
“It seems to be an increase. Wether it’s more of them are being found - it’s more than we’re used to seeing.”
Both bald eagles received injured wings from shotgun pellet blasts.
The eagle found near Duncan received a “significant” shotgun injury to the shoulder joint.
“Our veterinarian, Dr. Malcolm McAdie has examined the eagle and is giving it a chance to recover, but is doubtful that it will recover the ability to fly and likely will have to be euthanized,” Mackey said by e-mail.
The other bald eagle was found about a month ago on Salt Spring Island.
“You are able to see on the X-rays there is a pellet lodged in the bone near the body,” Mackey said.
“This bird is flying well though, even with its injury, and likely will make a full recovery.”
In late February, the wildlife centre accepted from Island Veterinary Hospital a golden eagle captured on Mayne Island earlier that month.
The small male taken after hikers noticed it was unable to fly away when they approached.
The bird was described as emaciated, weak and suffering from gunshot injuries to both feet.
Two digits were removed at Island Veterinary Hospital.
The bird will survive, but it is under close watch to determine whether it can survive, if released into the wild.
“The eagle has recovered nicely but is left in a position that likely will make survival (hunting) in the wild difficult,” Mackey said.
“More time and assessment of its hunting abilities will be needed before any decision on whether the bird (can be released).”
In all cases the birds “were obviously wounded and left to suffer,” she said.
Nanaimo conservation officer Stuart Bates was unaware of the shootings, which were outside his area.
