Bald Eagle Hit on I-84 is Paralyzed

UPDATE: The eagle was euthanized Thursday by the Audubon Society, The Oregonian reports.

ORIGINAL STORY: A bald eagle hit by a car on Interstate 84 today near Interstate 205 is paralyzed and has a "guarded" prognosis, an Audubon Society veterinarian tells WW.

The eagle's injuries tied up traffic around noon today as Multnomah County Animal Services, Portland Police and Portland Fire arrived to aid the animal.

The bird, which is probably a fully-grown male, was likely hunting along the side of the road when it was hit, says Deb Shaeffer, veterinarian at the Audubon Society of Portland, where it was taken for care.

One leg is broken and it is currently paralyzed, she says. The bird is due for a CT scan in the morning to assess the damage.

"It's a very guarded prognosis," Shaeffer says. "If it's permanent, then he would have to be euthanized."

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