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The Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Brookfield N.S., is caring for an immature bald eagle they say was shot by a shotgun.

Earlier this week a resident in Middle River, Cape Breton, found the eagle, nicknamed Melvin, lying injured on the ground.

Once it was transported to the rehab centre, X-rays were taken and veterinarians say they were shocked to discover 10 metal pellets throughout the eagle’s body. It’s believed the pellets came from a shotgun.

The eagle was brought to the centre from Middle River, CB, after a resident found the bird (Photo:@CobequiWildlife) pic.twitter.com/vTPb55wRxJ — Natasha Pace (@NatashaPace) June 15, 2016

The eagle was also extremely emaciated, and suffering from an infection, a fracture to its left wing and lead poisoning.

The wildlife centre has since cleaned up and bandaged the bird’s wounds.

READ MORE: In pictures: Bald eagle reunites with mate after treatment for lead poisoning

Murdo Messer with the Cobequid Rehabilitation Centre says it is illegal to shoot eagles. He said they do see cases from time to time where people deliberately take shots at the birds.

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The eagle remains at the rehab centre, where it is expected to be cared for by professionals for some time.

The Department of Natural Resources is investigating the incident.