Bald eagle found hurt in Middlesex, now under Wildlife Center of Virginia’s care

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The Wildlife Center of Virginia is caring for a juvenile bald eagle found injured in Middlesex County on American Eagle Day.

Friday, June 20 is American Eagle Day -- but the Wildlife Center of Virginia said "every day feels like an eagle day" for the busy agency. As of Friday, it has admitted 42 bald eagles in the first six months of 2025 -- with the newest eagle coming in from Middlesex County.

The juvenile bald eagle was found in a landfill "after what appeared to be a mid-air scuffle with another eagle," the center said.

Injured juvenile bald eagle found in Middlesex County. (Photo: Wildlife Center of Virginia)

Injured juvenile bald eagle found in Middlesex County. (Photo: Wildlife Center of Virginia)

The exact extent of the eagle's injuries remains unknown as of the time of reporting.

Early signs noted by the center's veterinary team indicate the bird could have suffered head trauma, or that it could be experiencing some kind of toxicity or poisoning.

"We’ll know more as test results come in," the center said.

'Even powerful species like the bald eagle remain vulnerable'

On its blog, the Wildlife Center of Virginia shared a message about the importance of American Eagle Day.

"This day isn’t just about celebration," the center said. "It’s a reminder that even powerful species like the bald eagle remain vulnerable. While older threats have been reduced, new challenges have emerged, and once again, eagles need our help."

One of those new challenges is lead poisoning, which the agency describes as a serious threat to bald eagles. They primarily ingest it by scavenging the remains of animals that were shot by hunters and left behind. When they do so, they often end up eating small pieces of lead ammunition.

Nine sheriff’s deputies graduate from Hanover County law enforcement academy

From 2011 to 2021, almost three out of four bald eagles cared for by the Wildlife Center of Virginia came in with lead poisoning.

"Just a small amount of lead can cause severe illness or death," the center said, adding that the only safe level of lead is zero.

You can learn more about the threats bald eagles face and how you can help here.