CORTLANDT, NY (March 13, 2025) — Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) in New York rescued an injured bald eagle near Croton Gorge Park in Westchester County last month, only to discover it was infected with a deadly strain of avian influenza, authorities said.
On Feb. 22, ECOs Franz and Radomski responded to a report from a bird watcher who spotted the distressed eagle along a trail in the town of Cortlandt. Armed with an approximate location, the officers ventured into the darkness, located the bird, and safely secured it for transport. The eagle was taken to Animal Nation, a wildlife rehabilitation facility in South Salem, where it was later confirmed to have Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Due to the untreatable nature of the virus in birds, the facility humanely euthanized the eagle.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), through its Cooperative Wildlife Health Program, is actively monitoring the spread of HPAI across the state. The virus, commonly known as bird flu, has been detected in numerous wild bird species and mammals, with confirmed cases tracked on the USDA website and mapped by the USGS. The DEC has urged the public to report suspected cases via its online platform at dec.ny.gov.
“This rescue highlights the ongoing challenge of HPAI in New York’s wildlife,” said a DEC spokesperson. “Bald eagles and other raptors are particularly vulnerable, often contracting the virus from infected prey.”
The DEC advises that groups of dead birds should be presumed HPAI-positive and cautions against direct contact. Safety protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend avoiding exposure to sick or deceased birds to minimize health risks, though the agency notes the current strain poses a low threat to humans. Guidelines for safe handling and reporting are available on the DEC’s website.
The incident underscores a broader surge of HPAI cases statewide, with the virus affecting waterfowl, raptors, and scavengers. While no population-level impact is anticipated for most species, officials acknowledge that bald eagles may face a heightened risk due to their susceptibility.
A photo of ECO Radomski with the rescued eagle has been released by the DEC, capturing a moment of hope overshadowed by the bird’s grim diagnosis. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and follow recommended precautions as HPAI continues to circulate in New York’s wild bird populations.
For more information or to report sightings, visit dec.ny.gov.
