A bald eagle found in visible distress near Cranbrook is recovering after a coordinated rescue effort that brought the bird from southeastern British Columbia to a specialized wildlife rehabilitation facility in the Lower Mainland.
The eagle was discovered on Saturday, December 20, by local residents Tanya Pocha, Reg Pocha, and their son Jaxon while driving through a rural area outside the city. What initially appeared to be a large bird on the ground quickly became a cause for concern.
Reg Pocha was the first to notice something unusual. He saw a large wing moving awkwardly through the grass, behavior that stood out as abnormal for a healthy bird of prey. As the family slowed down and approached, it became clear the bird was not feeding or resting but struggling.
“At first, we thought maybe it had just swooped down on something,” Tanya said. “But the closer we got, the more obvious it was that something was wrong.”
Clear Signs of Distress
The eagle showed several warning signs commonly associated with serious illness or poisoning in raptors. It remained on the ground, did not attempt to fly away, and held its legs in an unusual position beneath its body. According to Tanya, Reg’s past experience working with birds helped him recognize that the situation was serious.
“He was acting really strange, and my husband knew right away this was not normal behavior,” she said.
When Reg carefully approached the eagle, the bird made no effort to defend itself or move away. Using a coat to gently cover and secure the eagle, Reg noticed another concerning sign.
“He slowly lowered his head toward his chest,” Reg said. “That was when I knew something was seriously wrong.”
Veterinary Assessment and Diagnosis
The family transported the eagle to Steeples Veterinary Clinic, where veterinary staff carried out an initial assessment. Recognizing the need for specialized wildlife care, the clinic coordinated with Little Mittens Animal Rescue Association and O.W.L. Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society, a facility known for treating injured birds of prey.
The eagle was placed in quarantine and monitored closely while staff attempted to encourage it to eat and drink. Video footage of the bird’s condition was shared with specialists at O.W.L. for further evaluation.
Based on the eagle’s symptoms and the location where it was found near a landfill, rehabilitators suspected lead poisoning. This condition is a well documented threat to bald eagles. Eagles often ingest lead fragments when feeding on carrion or prey contaminated by lead based ammunition or fishing gear. Even small amounts can cause weakness, neurological problems, and abnormal posture.
Transport and Recovery
Little Mittens Animal Rescue Association arranged transport for the eagle to Golden, where it was flown to the O.W.L. facility in Delta for advanced treatment. Lead poisoning in birds can be treated when identified early, usually through chelation therapy along with fluids and supportive care.
Since arriving at the rehabilitation center, the eagle has responded positively to treatment. Updates shared with the Pocha family indicate that the bird is now eating on its own and steadily regaining strength.
“They said he is doing a lot better than expected,” Tanya said. “That was a huge relief.”
Planned Release Back to the Wild
Once the eagle has fully recovered and regained its strength, rehabilitators plan to return it to the same area near Cranbrook where it was found. Releasing raptors back into their original territory is standard practice, as adult bald eagles maintain established home ranges and nesting sites.
The successful rescue highlights the importance of public awareness and quick action when wildlife appears to be in trouble. It also draws attention to the ongoing risk that lead contamination poses to scavenging birds across North America.
For the Pocha family, the experience was both unexpected and meaningful.
“You never expect to come across something like that,” Tanya said. “We are just grateful we were there when he needed help and that he is getting another chance.”
Sources and References
O.W.L. Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society
Based in Delta, British Columbia, O.W.L. provides specialized care for injured birds of prey and publishes guidance on raptor rehabilitation and recovery. Website www.owlrehab.org