Bald eagle struck, injured and rescued on State Rte 17

PRESS RELEASE

Tuesday, June 9, 2015 –  An alert truck driver may have saved the life of an american bald eagle.  Mario Giorbano was driving for Balford Farms at about 10:00 AM when, because of his high vantage point in the vehicle, he spotted an eagle sitting in the ditch along State Rte 17 in the town of Rockland.  He stopped his truck and attempted to assist the bird which at first appeared stuck in the mud.  Realizing the bird was injured he contacted Sullivan Co 911 and the New York State Police.  Troopers from the Roscoe and Liberty barracks stayed with the bird of prey until licensed wildlife rehabiliator Kathy Michele of Narrowsburg, NY and George Banta of Beach Lake, PA arrived on the scene.  Utilizing only a blanket and dog crate they loaded the bird into an SUV and took it for x-rays and possible treatment. In the vicinity of the scene was the carcass of a dead raccoon.  It is guessed that the eagle may have been feeding on that when it was struck by an unknown vehicle.  Before leaving the scene to continue with his truck route deliveries Mr. Giorbano nick-named the male bird “Anthony”.