A bald eagle, missing since Monday, has been found safe.

The search for the eagle named Atka began early Monday after the raptor disappeared from the Horizon Wings Raptor Rehabilitation and Education center in Ashford.

Because of an injured wing, the eagle is unable to fly.

Within hours, a $5,000 reward was offered for the safe return of Atka.

On Tuesday morning, Horizon Wings Raptor Rehabilitation and Education announced on its Facebook page that “we are so happy to announce that Atka is home!”

“He was found safe on our property this morning. This is still an active,ongoing investigation. If anyone has any information please contact DEEP (860) 424-3333 or Ct State Police Troop C (860) 896-3200.

“We wish to thank everyone for your help with the search, your Facebook posts, and concern. You all made a difference!”

The center had earlier said “all we ask is that Atka is returned safely to us, or we are told of his whereabouts. No questions asked, we just want our boy back safe and unharmed.”

Photo: Horizon Wings Raptor Rehabilitation And Education Center Photo Photo: Horizon Wings Raptor Rehabilitation Center Photo Photo: Martin Torresquintero Photo: Martin Torresquintero Photo: Martin Torresquintero Photo: Martin Torresquintero Photo: Martin Torresquintero Photo: Martin Torresquintero

Brian Bennett also organized a fundraiser on a GoFundMe page.

“My hopes are that we will receive some news as to where our beloved Atka is and we hope that he is safe. Please continue to share and remain vigilant as the search for this beautiful eagle continues.”

Bennett said Atka disappeared early Monday morning from his aviary on the property of Horizon Wings in eastern Connecticut.

“Atka is a male bald eagle who has been in the care of Horizon Wings Raptor Rehabilition and Education since 2011. He has been cared for by Horizon Wings and has been an instrumental part of the programs Horizon Wings provides to educate the public about the importance of conservation and protection of our endangered species.

“Law enforcement is investigating his disappearance and I am asking anyone and everyone to share this fundraising campaign to boost the growing reward being offered for his safe return or information leading to his safe return.”

Bennett said Atka is a non-flighted bird, “so if he was indeed let out of his aviary at some point he would not be able to go to too far.”

Atka is a male eagle who came to the center as a 1-year old from Washington state.

Bald eagles were extirpated from Connecticut in the 1950s due largely to the pesticide DDT. Nesting bald eagles returned to Connecticut in 1992 and have been increasing in numbers ever since.

As of 2018, there are now 55 known nesting pairs in the state.

Bald eagles build very large nests, usually near a body of water. They prey mainly on fish but will also take a wide variety of prey, including mammals and birds, and will also scavenge on carrion.