Florida Man Risks Alligator Attack to Rescue a Injured Bald Eagle [WATCH]

April 28, 2025

A Florida man risked his own safety to rescue an injured American bald eagle from the middle of a lake while also facing the potential threat of an alligator, as reported by the New York post.

Doug Hay of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, said he heard a splash behind his home on April 19 and went outside with his wife to investigate.

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According to Hay, they saw a bald eagle struggling in the center of the lake, while another eagle circled overhead. Hay told FOX 13 Tampa Bay he believed the two eagles had been fighting, leading to one becoming injured and unable to fly.

One of the parent bald eagles flies near its cliffside nest as Arizona Game and Fish temporally removed three eaglets to monitor their health and well-being at Lake Pleasant Regional Park.

Recognizing the danger, Hay made the decision to swim out to the injured bird. He said the lake was about 100 yards across and he was aware a seven-foot alligator also lived in the water. Despite the risk, Hay entered the lake and swam toward the eagle.

The National Eagle Center notes that bald eagles can swim using their wings if necessary, usually after catching heavy fish. However, due to its injuries, the eagle appeared unable to move effectively through the water.

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Upon reaching the bird, Hay said the eagle grabbed onto his arm with its talons. Hay, 69, said he and the bird “barely made it to shore” because of the effort it took. His wife recorded the rescue on video, showing Hay bringing the bald eagle to safety.

After reaching dry land, Hay filmed the eagle on the lakeshore and initially hoped it would fly off once it rested. When it became clear the bird was seriously injured, Hay contacted a local wildlife rescue.

The Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida in Venice is now caring for the bald eagle. Staff said the eagle is recovering from an “extensive” wound to the thoracic cavity.

E17 and E18 of Southwest Florida Eagle Cam fame are about 2 months old. They can be seen testing their wings and getting fed by their parents, Harriet and M15. The two eaglets had some drama early in their lives when an eye infection was discovered. The were removed from the nest by the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlfe and treated at the Sanibel wildlfe rehabilitation center. They were renested about a week later after the infection cleared up with treatment. Eaglets0339

Hay suffered minor injuries from the eagle’s talons during the rescue but said he had no regrets. “I would do it again to save the symbol of America,” Hay told FOX 13.

The Wildlife Center has not provided a timeline for the eagle’s recovery but said they are optimistic about its chances.

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