The nonprofit received three injured eagles within the past couple of weeks, but one of them passed away.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Wildlife Center is taking care of two bald eagles that were recently injured as the species continues to grow across central Ohio.
David Donahue, the development and communications manager, said the nonprofit organization has taken in five eagles so far this year. It typically takes in five to 10 eagles a year.
According to Donahue, the center received three eagles within the last couple of weeks.
The first eagle, a juvenile, was admitted after suffering an electrocution injury in Gahanna. Donahue said veterinarians discovered a healed fracture likely associated with the initial impact, along with feather damage caused by the electrocution. A portion of its flight feathers may require imping, a rehab process that replaces damaged feathers with donor feathers to restore normal flight capability.
The second eagle, an adult, was rescued near the Park of Roses in the Clintonville neighborhood. OWC says the eagle was struck by a vehicle on state Route 315. Exams showed the eagle was suffering from spinal trauma and lead poisoning. Despite receiving care, the eagle passed away.
The third eagle, another juvenile, was found shortly after the adult was admitted. OWC believes the young eagle was the offspring of the adult eagle. It was found on the ground with wing trauma after falling from the nest area.
The young eagle is undergoing evaluation and extensive treatment. OWC hopes the eagle will recover and gain the strength and skills needed to survive in the wild.
As the nonprofit cares for the injured eagles, it wants to remind the public that bald eagles have made an incredible comeback across Ohio, but still face threats from human-related causes.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources documented 964 active nests in 2025, a 36% increase from the previous statewide census. At one point, OWC says eagles were nearly eliminated from the state but are now commonly seen along rivers, reservoirs, parks and some urban green spaces.
As more eagles establish territories, wildlife rehabilitators are seeing an increase in calls about injuries from power lines, vehicles, environmental toxins, and other human-related hazards.
Those interested in learning more about OWC can visit its website here.