A homeowner in British Colombia spotted an unusual sight in their yard – two bald eagles intertwined in each other’s talons and in the midst of a territorial fight. They quickly called a local wildlife sanctuary to come and attend to the scene, and a bold woman breaks up this intense fight between the two bald eagles. Scroll down to watch the footage!
A Fight Breaks Out Between Two Bald Eagles
OWL Orphaned Wildlife, a wildlife sanctuary in British Colombia, received a call about two eagles tangled together in a homeowner’s yard. The birds had become locked in a fierce struggle, with their talons gripping each other’s legs tightly.
This intense combat left them unable to separate, requiring outside help to resolve the situation. Considering this bird’s lethal talons, this is not just something you attempt to do unless you have some experience with this mighty bird.
Efforts to Separate the Eagles
When OWL’s specialist arrived on the scene, the initial plan was to scare the eagles apart. Normally, this tactic works, but not this time. Both birds refused to back down, continuing to struggle against each other.
After having tried all other options, it became clear that this problem needed a hands-on solution – literally.
The Brave Rescuer Steps In
Undeterred by the sharp beaks and talons of the eagles, the rescuer moved in to try and separate the birds. At first, she attempted to pry their talons apart in one spot, but the location was too confined. She then moved them to a more open area and, after a patient effort, managed to free them.
One Eagle Released, One Taken into Care
After separating the birds, OWL decided to release the less injured eagle in case it had a nest nearby. The bird flew away awkwardly, nearly colliding with an unsuspecting scooter rider. Thankfully, both escaped injury. The other eagle, suffering a fairly severe eye injury, was taken to OWL’s facility to recover.
Bold Woman and Bald Eagles Captured on Camera
At the time that the video was taken, the bald eagle’s nesting season was in full bloom, which is most probably the reason behind this feisty fight. In a way, they were both lucky that they ended up having their fight in someone’s yard so that they could get the assistance they needed to break free.
How long would the two bald eagles have stayed intertwined had it not been for the woman who breaks up this territorial fight?
Why Do Bald Eagles Fight?
Bald eagles are highly territorial creatures, especially during breeding season. They usually nest in tall trees near large bodies of water.
Fights often break out when one eagle encroaches on another’s territory. During these battles, they use their talons to lock onto each other, sometimes resulting in injury.
Bald Eagles and Their Strong Nesting Instincts
Bald eagles are known for their strong attachment to their nesting areas. They often return to the same spot each year, adding more material to their nests. Conflicts like the one in Surrey can arise when two eagles compete for a prime nesting site.
Just as you’d imagine, these powerful birds will defend their space fiercely.
Eagles’ Talon Gripping Technique
In a fight, eagles use a gripping technique called “talon locking.” Once their talons latch onto each other, they can stay connected for quite a while, sometimes even falling to the ground as seen in this incident. This combat style can be dangerous, causing injury to both birds involved.
Territorial Disputes Among Bald Eagles
Territorial disputes are common in the eagle world. A single pair of bald eagles may claim an area of up to 1 square mile around their nest, and if the area is densly populated by other bald eagles there’s a high chance an altercation will happen sooner or later.
When another eagle or predator invades this territory, the resident pair will often fight aggressively to defend their nesting and hunting grounds.
Statistics on Bald Eagle Populations
Despite these aggressive interactions, the bald eagle population is currently thriving. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates there are around 316,700 bald eagles in the contiguous United States as of 2021.
This marks a significant recovery from their endangered status in the 1960s, thanks to conservation efforts.
What Happens After Eagle Fights?
After a fight, the victor usually claims the territory, while the defeated bird may search for a new nesting site. The injuries sustained can vary, but eagles are resilient. In this case, the injured bird received professional care before being successfully released back into the wild. Had it not been for this intervention by the wildlife sanctuary, the one eagle’s future might’ve not as bright.
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