A bald eagle, seen in this photo, is in Sitka after suffering a gunshot wound. Anyone with information about the shooting, which likely took place between Mendenhall Loop and Montana Creek Road on Monday or Tuesday, are encouraged to contact the Juneau Raptor Center by email at info@juneauraptorcenter.org. (Courtesy Photo / Juneau Raptor Center)

A bald eagle, seen in this photo, is in Sitka after suffering a gunshot wound. Anyone with information about the shooting, which likely took place between Mendenhall Loop and Montana Creek Road on Monday or Tuesday, are encouraged to contact the Juneau Raptor Center by email at info@juneauraptorcenter.org. (Courtesy Photo / Juneau Raptor Center)

Eagle shot off Back Loop Road

An investigation is underway, and the eagle is being treated in Sitka.

This story has been updated to correct a phone number and provide additional clarity.

An eagle rescued Tuesday is being treated at the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka, where X-rays revealed the bird had been shot.

On Tuesday afternoon, Kathy Benner, manager of the Juneau Raptor Center, received a call about an injured bird in the yard of a homeowner off Back Loop Road. She and another volunteer arrived to find the eagle alert and laying face down.

“As we approached the bird, he didn’t move,” Benner said. “I was able to put a sheet over him and pick him up.”

At the clinic, volunteers determined that the bird had suffered a broken leg. Based on the extent of the eagle’s injuries, he was given pain medication and flown to Sitka about an hour after the rescue. He was evaluated and treated by their veterinarian, who discovered the gunshot wound.

“It’s sad,” she said. “This was a very healthy eagle. He was in really good shape for this point in the winter.” She added that eagles who are struggling to survive are often thin by this time of year, but that this eagle was plump and healthy.

A federal investigation of the incident is underway, according to Benner.

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 prohibits anyone from “taking” bald eagles, including their parts, nests or eggs without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior. Violations can result in a $100,000 fine for people and up to $200,000 for organizations along with up to a year in prison for a first offense. A second offense is a felony and carries increased penalties.

Anyone with information about the shooting, which likely took place between Mendenhall Loop and Montana Creek Road on Monday or Tuesday, is encouraged to contact the Juneau Raptor Center by email at info@juneauraptorcenter.org.

The eagle’s current condition is unavailable because of the ongoing investigation. However, Benner said that some rescued eagles are able to return to the wild.

“The eagle’s future depends on his injury,” she said. “Eagles must be able to fly, hunt and not be in pain before they can be released.”

She noted that Lady Baltimore, the eagle kept at the tram station atop Mount Roberts is blind in one eye due to a gunshot wound.

The Juneau Raptor Center rescues about 200 birds each year, including about 50 eagles. If you find a bird in distress, contact the Juneau Raptor Center emergency hotline at 790-5424. Volunteers monitor the line 24 hours a day.

Contact Dana Zigmund at Dana.Zigmund@juneauempire.com.

More in News

The Norwegian Bliss arrives in Juneau on Monday, April 14, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)
Ships in port for the week of April 27

This information comes from the Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska’s 2024 schedule.… Continue reading

High school junior Jubilee Lewis is all smiles as she and other Mt. Edgecumbe High School Yupik Dancers take the stage at the BJ McGillis Gym to teach a dance to members of high school student governments from across Alaska on Thursday. (James Poulson / Daily Sitka Sentinel)
Student government convention in Sitka petitions for $1,000 BSA hike, inflation adjustments

About 250 high schoolers seek same funding vetoed by governor, as Legislature now eyes lower amount.

A courtroom at the Juneau Courthouse. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)
Juneau man in prison on federal weapons charges gets 13 years on additional state charges

Clyde Pasterski, 44, was convicted by a jury last November for drug and assault offenses.

Protesters rally against the Trump administration’s deportation polices in front of the Alaska State Capitol on Feb. 5, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
‘Just give us a chance’: One Juneau refugee family puts faith in God, another flees as departure orders arrive

Both families arrived legally; validity of demands by Trump administration to depart being challenged

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Wednesday, April 23, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Russell Benford, representative for Royal Caribbean Group, answers questions from Mayor Beth Weldon on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Assembly tries to clear the air with cruise line officials as tensions rise about future projects

City leaders seek missing details from Royal Caribbean on proposed west Douglas port.

An officer from the U.S. Border Patrol’s Blaine Sector office, which has assigned two permanent officers to Juneau as of December. (U.S. Border Patrol photo)
Higher-than-normal border crossings north of Haines last month defy national trends

The number of passengers entering the country at the Dalton Cache border… Continue reading

The chairs of the Senate Finance Committee huddle for a discussion after introducing their draft operating budget, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Alaska Senate committee’s draft budget cuts $206 million from House plan but still has deficit

Proposal eliminates proposals for new troopers, help for education and would cut prison space.

Most Read