2026-06-24: Eagle with severely damaged beak (explore.org)

Here's what explore.org's naturalists had to say about it: Mike Fitz: Oh wow. This is the first time I've seen this bird, and that looks like a debilitating injury for an eagle. I'm tagging @HollyG_Ornithologist, our bird naturalist who might be able to provide some insights. I wonder if the bird had their upper mandible torn off in a fight with another eagle or if it could've gotten caught in a trap. HollyG: That would be my guess as well, it definitely looks like a critical injury. Unfortunately Bald Eagles have a low chance of surviving in the wild without an upper mandible, as they need this part of the beak to help with preening, eating, and drinking. Though there is a (false) myth that Bald Eagles will completely shed their talons and beak every 40 years to rejuvenate. But this is completely untrue; this bird will not be able to grow any part of its beak back. Its best hope would either be to get fed by a mate or would need to get rescued by a local wildlife rehab. Originally recorded on explore.org's Anan Wildlife Observatory- Tongass National Forest webcams that can be found here: https://explore.org/livecams/tongass-natio... https://explore.org/livecams/tongass-natio... https://explore.org/livecams/tongass-natio... https://explore.org/livecams/tongass-natio...