Bald eagles found stuck in icy, flooded Clark County field

GERMAN TWP., Clark County — Two bald eagles were found stuck and in distress in an icy field in Clark County were able to free themselves, but not before a response from police and wildlife officials.

>>PHOTOS: 2 bald eagles found stuck in icy, flooded Clark County field

A snow plow driver notified police after he spotted the two eagles in obvious signs of distress around 9 a.m. Friday in the 2700 block of Upper Valley Pike, German Twp. Police Officer Brice Davis told News Center 7.

Davis responded to he scene and found the two eagles stuck in a flooded field that was partially frozen.

“They were having obvious signs of distress, flapping their wings, and struggling to get out of the ice,” Davis said.

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Wildlife officials from the Glen Helen Raptor Center were contacted and also responded to the scene to help. However both eagles were eventually able to free themselves from the ice.

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“We tried to approach the eagles just to make sure they were ok. The first one flew off and went into a tree. (Glen Helen Raptor Center officials) said he would be ok, he’s just a bit exhausted,” Davis said.

The second eagle also freed himself but was also showing signs of exhaustion from trying to get out. That eagle is also expected to be okay.

“I was definitely worried they weren’t going to make it, but I’m glad they are ok now,” Davis said.

The two eagles were fighting over territory before they became trapped in the ice and cold water, Rebecca Jaramillo Director at Glen Helen Raptor Center told News Center 7.

“Eagles are getting more common here in Ohio, and so as there are more of them they have these little territorial issues,” Jaramillo said. “This is nesting season, so this is something we see more and more.”

The eagles will remain in the wild since they were showing signs of being alright, however had they needed help, the raptor center would have taken them back to Yellow Springs to provide whatever care needed until they could be returned into the wild.

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Bald eagles found stuck in icy, flooded field in Clark County Two bald eagles, who were fighting over territory, were found stuck in a Clark County field, flooded from Thursday's rain and frozen after cold overnight temperatures. The birds were found in distress but were able to free themselves and are expected to be ok. (Contributed Photo/German Twp. Police)

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