Eagle Injured By Pellet Gun Continues Recovery

DURAND, Ill. (AP) -- A bald eagle found shot along the Illinois River has been transferred to a wildlife rehabilitation center.

The Rockford Register Star reports the 8-month-old eagle will recover at the Hoo Haven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center in Durand. Volunteers will care for the bird before it is released back into the wild in the spring. The injured eagle was found Oct. 30 and taken to an animal clinic in Streator. From Streator it was transferred to Hoo Haven last week.

Ten shotgun pellets fractured a long bone in the bird's wing. The eagle had surgery in Streator and now will undergo physical therapy exercises in Durand.

Eagles are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Illinois Conservation Police are searching for the shooter. There is a $2,500 reward.

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