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Bald Eagle Caught in Trap, Freed Just in Time

Reported:
02/03/2021
Location:
Clallam County, WA - USA
Species:
Endangered Species
Trap Type:
Leghold
Incident Date:
Victim's Disposition:
released
Victim's Name:
Legal Action:
Yes

Summary:

CLALLAM COUNTY, WA — A Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) officer rescued an illegally trapped bald eagle in Clallam County and set them free. WDFW says they received a call in November of a person’s dog that became trapped in a steel-jawed leghold trap. The owners were able to rescue their dog, but called to report that a bald eagle was stuck in another trap nearby. An officer arrived shortly after and found the eagle, immobilized them, and released them from the trap. According to WDFW, the eagle had no injuries. WDFW officers seized additional illegal traps from the area, and an investigation led them to a suspect living in the area, who admitted to setting up the traps, which included steel-jawed traps and wire snares to capture and kill two coyotes.

 

Result:

The trapper now faces 16 criminal charges.