Snared bald eagle near Mankato freed with gunshot

But its fate unknown

By doug smith

December 24, 2011 at 2:08PM

It was a strange case recently near Mankato: A bald eagle caught in a tree by a talon and unable to free itself. Hunters who found the distressed bird called DNR conservation officer Bob Geving, who arrived with officer Corey Wiebusch. Here's how Geving described the action in his weekly report: "The eagle was found hanging upside down from a branch about 30 feet in the air apparently caught somehow by one leg. It continued to struggle and fly in attempt to free itself. It was decided that one of the hunters should attempt to shoot the branch loose from the tree using a shotgun with a turkey load. "With a single shot, a four foot section of the branch broke loose. The eagle glided to a nearby field with the branch still caught on its talon. The leg was obviously broken. "While the eagle was distracted from the front, officer Wiebusch approached from the back and on the second attempt was able to grab the branch. As he did so, the talon came loose. The eagle immediately flew away before officers were able to capture it for possible rehabilitation. The hunter kept the branch for a souvenir and evidence to his story.''

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doug smith

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