POWELL — The Ohio Wildlife Center has seen their bald eagle admissions soar over the last two weeks, with three eagles receiving care from Ohio Wildlife Center (OWC) staff.
All three eagles came from Franklin County, according to an OWC press release.
The first eagle admitted suffered an injury caused by electrocution.
Wildlife veterinarians discovered a healed fracture likely associated with the initial impact, along with feather damage caused by the electrical injury, according to the release.
The eagle is stable now, but OWC staff may imp portions of its flight feathers. Imping is a specialized rehabilitation technique in which staff replace the damaged feathers with donor feathers to restore normal flight capability.
OWC staff will continue to monitor and care for the eagle before determining if and when the eagle can be re-released.
OWC staff rescued the second bald eagle near the Park of Roses in Columbus after a vehicle struck it on I-315 South.
Upon admission, an OWC veterinarian diagnosed the eagle with spinal trauma and lead poisoning, according to the release.
Despite receiving supportive care, the eagle’s injuries proved too severe, and it passed away overnight.
“This case highlights two of the most common threats facing bald eagles today,” Ohio Wildlife Center staff said in the release. “Vehicle collisions and lead exposure continue to impact eagles throughout Ohio, even as the population grows.”
Bald eagles often scavenge for prey on the side of the road, which is often why cars may unintentionally strike them.
Shortly after that injured adult was admitted, a recently-fledged juvenile bald eagle believed to be its offspring was found on the ground with wing trauma after falling from the nest area.
OWC evaluated and treated the young eagle and remain hopeful for its recovery; however, young eagles require extensive care, specialized housing and ongoing monitoring as they develop survival skills, according to the release.
On July 14, OWC staff transferred the juvenile eagle to the Animal Hospital of Shawnee Hills for further care because the facility has a larger X-ray.
OWC works with a network of central Ohio veterinarians to help with various treatment for various animals, Communications Manager David Donahue said.
Bald eagles in Ohio
The Ohio Wildlife Center has cared for five eagles this year already, two of which have been released, two are still in care and the one previously mentioned died. Multiple of them had lead poisoning.
Donahue noted two of the eagles came into care after people saw the birds and contacted OWC.
According to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, Franklin County has seven documented bald eagle nests and Delaware County has 16.
Bald eagles are now nesting in 87 of Ohio’s 88 counties, with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources documenting 964 active bald eagle nests in 2025, a 36% increase from the previous statewide census.
“We expect to see this species more often because of the population increases,” Donahue said.
The specialized medical treatment, diagnostic testing, housing and rehabilitation required for these patients is made possible through community support, the release noted.
A bald eagle can remain in care for anywhere from one week to several months, Donahue said. Treating a minor injury costs $500 on average, but more complicated injuries that require surgery and longer care can cost upwards of $5,000.
Community members interested in helping these bald eagles and other wildlife patients can make a donation at OWC’s Support Page or contribute needed supplies through Ohio Wildlife Center’s wish lists.
“As Ohio’s eagle population continues to grow, so does the need for wildlife rehabilitation,” staff said. “Every donation helps ensure that injured and orphaned wildlife have a second chance at returning to the wild.”
