CT State Police: Driver hit bald eagle, broke its wing

This bald eagle broke its wing when it was hit by a car on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2019. This bald eagle broke its wing when it was hit by a car on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2019. Photo: Contributed Photo / Connecticut State Police Photo: Contributed Photo / Connecticut State Police Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close CT State Police: Driver hit bald eagle, broke its wing 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

A bald eagle is in stable condition and is already on the road to recovery after being hit by a car on Route 8 south Wednesday, according to Connecticut State Police.

It happened in the area of Exit 25 in the Beacon Falls/Naugatuck area. Troopers responded for a report of a bald eagle on the right shoulder of the highway.

“Unfortunately, upon the arrival of troopers it was discovered that the eagle was struck by a motor vehicle and sustained a broken wing,” state police said.

Waterbury Animal Control responded to the scene to help, but the eagle became “frightened,” state police said, and started to run down an embankment toward the Naugatuck River.

But, officials managed to catch the bald eagle and transport it to state Department of Energy and Environment Protection officers.

“We learned that the eagle is in stable condition and was transported to Sharon Audubon in Sharon ... for rehabilitation,” state police said.