Bald Eagle Discovered With Gunshot Wound To Be Euthanized
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
A bald eagle discovered with a gunshot wound at a Kentucky state park will be humanely euthanized after veterinarians determined its injuries were too severe to treat.
The bald eagle, the national bird of the United States and a federally protected species, was found Monday by staff at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park. Park employees, working alongside the Lake Cumberland Wildlife Refuge Home of Liberty Nature Center, carefully secured the injured bird and transported it to a wildlife veterinarian for evaluation. Video from the rescue showed the coordinated effort as staff gently captured the eagle for transport.
Initially, the extent and cause of the eagle’s injuries were unclear. Park officials said that if the bird had been able to recover fully, it would have been released back into its natural habitat at the park.
However, in a social media update Wednesday, the park confirmed the eagle had suffered a gunshot wound. Veterinarians found that the damage to the bird’s wing and surrounding tissue was too extensive for surgery or any form of rehabilitation.
#KyStateParks is following the story of an injured bald eagle found at Lake Cumberland SRP. Liberty Nature Center confirmed the eagle suffered a gunshot wound and will be humanely euthanized. Incidents involving protected species may involve state and federal authorities. pic.twitter.com/aJVGYrLD0I
— KentuckyStateParks (@KYStateParks) February 4, 2026
“Despite our hopes and the dedicated efforts of wildlife veterinarians, the injuries from a gunshot wound are too severe for recovery,” the park said in a statement.
Officials said euthanasia is the most humane option, as the eagle would otherwise remain in pain and permanently unable to fly.
Under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, it is illegal to harm or kill a bald eagle. Violations can carry penalties of up to one year in prison and fines of up to $100,000, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“We know many of you have been following this eagle’s story and hoping for a miracle. We share your grief,” the park wrote.
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park is asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
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