The Missouri Department of Conservation received a call about an injured bald eagle in distress in the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield near Springfield, Missouri. The eagle, unable to fly, was captured and taken in for rehabilitation. When no injuries could be found, the eagle was x-rayed by the Dickerson Park Zoo. No broken bones or tumors were found in the x-rays, but there was a distinct outline of a bony paw in the eagle's stomach. It is believed to have belonged to a raccoon. So the eagle wasn't hurt, he was just heavy after engorging himself with roadkill. He had been floundering around because he had overeaten and was "too fat to fly."
The story is going viral because this particular bald eagle managed to emulate one of the most prevalent American stereotypes. However, after a good rest, the eagle was released at the spot he was found, and managed to fly away under his own steam. You can see his x-rays at the Facebook post. -via reddit
(Image source: Wilson's Creek National Battlefield)
