Rehabilitated bald eagle released in Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A female Bald Eagle found tangled in a fishing line in the Willamette River was rehabilitated and released into the wild Sunday.

The Audubon Society of Portland rescued the large Bald Eagle on Feb. 10 after receiving a call from the Portland Harbor Master. Rescuers used a small net, box and towel to cut the bird out of the fishing line, the Audubon Society said.

“She had one leg and one wing that were caught together in the fishing line,” Lacy Campbell told the Audubon Society. “The bird was very alert and very defensive.”

The 12.5 pound Bald Eagle suffered minor injuries and was rehabilitated under the Audubon Society’s care. She was released into the wild Sunday at Waterfront Park.

“That’s the best feeling in the world,” Audubon Conservation Director Bob Sallinger said. “It’s so cool to see these birds go back into the wild, that’s where they belong.”

To avoid situations like this, Sallinger says people should pick up after themselves.

“The problem here is people littering, basically people leaving garbage in the river,” he said. “When you’re out there fishing, really try and clean up after yourself.”