Wildlife officials in Missouri said a bald eagle has been rehabilitated after it was having trouble flying. 

The Missouri Department of Conservation captured the bird near Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, which is in the southwest corner of the state about 50 miles from Branson. 

The bird was found unable to fly and animal experts initially thought it was injured. 

In an open field a bald eagle sits, its head turned to look at the camera. A large dog carrier with its door open is to the left of the frame. Image: Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

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But upon further examination, the bird was found to be healthy overall but currently engorged from its latest meal – “in other words, too fat to fly,” Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield shared on social media. 

‘Bizarre-looking’ creature getting a helping hand from North Carolina conservationists

In the wild, a bald eagle’s diet is “opportunistic and varied,” according to the National Park Service, but most feed mainly on fish. Some may also sometimes feed on smaller mammals or birds. 

X-rays of the captured bald eagle showed the outline of a small paw inside the bird’s stomach, which is believed to be a raccoon’s paw. 

A check-up also found the bird’s stomach to be distended. 

Experts believe the bird feasted on raccoon roadkill. 

In an open field a bald eagle flies towards the tree line. You can see its yellow feet peaking out from behind its splayed tail feathers. Image: Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

After some rehabilitation, the eagle was released near where it was found in compliance with federal and state laws. 

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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KY3) – Thousands of Missouri families are dealing with the day-to-day challenges of Autism, and now Missouri’s biggest hospital system is expanding its resources for autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

MU Health’s new Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment is slated to open in early 2026. Friday, the final beam was placed on top of the building, marking progress toward the construction of the new building in Columbia, Missouri.

In the past decade, the Thompson Center has served 109 Missouri counties and nine other states, and with this new center, they’re hoping to serve even more families. This expansion doubles the size of the center.

The Centers for Disease Control says up to one in 36 Missouri children show signs of autism. Children like Angela Keller’s 3-year-old daughter Renesemee. Keller knew even before her daughter was born that she would have multiple disabilities, but Renesemee receives all the care she requires at the Thompson Center.

“When you’re a new special needs parent, a lot of times you don’t know where to go,” Keller said. “Thompson Center is a good jumping point.”

Since 2000, the number of autism diagnoses has increased 60%. Thompson Center Executive Director Connie Brooks credits that increase to the strides in identifying autism and the increased acceptance of neurodiversity.

“Parents and providers are tuned in at an earlier age, and so they’re bringing them in to get that checked out,” Brooks said.

Through the center, families can receive comprehensive care, seeing all the doctors their child or loved one needs in one place.

“Autism affects people in really individualized ways, because it is such a spectrum,” Brooks said.

But most importantly, Keller and Brooks hope the center cuts down on wait times and allows more families to find the care they need.

“I was able to get a jumpstart on finding those resources and knowing what I needed to ask for before I left the hospital,” Keller said. “Some parents haven’t been so lucky.”

Anyone seeking care for Autism or other developmental challenges can find resources on the Missouri Department of Mental Health’s website.

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