Golden Eagle Release at Carnation Farms
December 2, 2024
The PAWS team just rehabilitated and released one of Washington State’s most imperiled raptors: a Golden eagle!
This young male eagle was found weak and emaciated in a Carnation backyard in September. The homeowners contacted a local falconer who captured the animal and brought it to PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for care. Upon arrival, diagnostics revealed it was suffering from a blood parasite infection but otherwise uninjured. Fortunately, the young raptor gradually recovered thanks to two months of careful treatment and rehabilitation at PAWS.
The eagle was released at Carnation Farms near where it was found! Golden eagles are native to the open landscapes of Washington State where they scavenge and hunt for small mammals. Despite federal protections, populations of Golden eagles are declining across the Western U.S. due to habitat loss, prey scarcity, lead poisoning, and other threats.
PAWS worked with WDFW biologists to fit this individual with a solar-powered tracking device which will transmit its whereabouts to researchers and further our understanding of its species!
We are extremely grateful to WDFW, Carnation Farms, the Urban Raptor Conservancy, and everyone else who helped to rescue and release this eagle!