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Video: Bald eagles battle over territory at start of nesting season

(WFLA) – Two bald eagles got into a wrestling match on the ground when they fell from the sky. Two officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission captured the fight on video.

FWC posted the clip on their Facebook page. According to the post, Officers Toby and Nasworth found the two birds with their talons locked together and initially thought they were dead.

But soon the eagles raised their heads and opened their beaks when they walked closer. The ‘standoff’ lasted about two to three hours. And neither bird was willing to let go, officers said.

At one point the birds tried to escape while still entangled together, but that didn’t work very well for them. Finally, they both released the hold and flew away. Officers said they were just about to put a jacket over the birds’ heads to break up the quarrel.

According to FWC, bald eagles are very territorial. October 1 marks the start of their nesting season in Florida and they will aggressively defend their nests from intruders.