This bald eagle was found shot on Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge in November 2005.  The eagle was rehabilitated and released back to the wild in January 2006. - USFWS photo

A rehabilitated bald eagle was released back into the wild on Jan. 23 at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge.  The immature eagle had been shot, but recovered from the injury and was anxious to be released.  The eagle was discovered on Nov. 20, in a closed area of the refuge.  It was unable to fly and was captured by a refuge employee with the assistance of a graduate student conducting research on the refuge. 

The eagle was taken to Treehouse Wildlife Center for examination and rehabilitation.  The right wing was bruised and X-rays revealed a shotgun pellet in the wing.  Although there was no fracture, the shot was apparently enough to bring the bird down and the bruising was caused by hitting the ground.  The eagle was held in an indoor cage so it could rest and give the wing a chance to heal.  In December, the eagle was moved to an outdoor flight cage. 

About 60 people were on-hand to witness the eagle's release on the observation deck at the headquarters.