Bald eagle tangled along NC river needed help. Then came a heartwarming rescue
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- Wildlife officers helped a bald eagle tangled in fishing line on the Haw River.
- Rescuers transferred the bird to a rehab center before she will be released into the wild.
- NC officials urged proper disposal of fishing lines to protect eagles.
A bald eagle was stuck in fishing line and needed help — then came a heartwarming rescue in North Carolina.
Officer Ethan Martin and Sgt. Claude Smith with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission traveled more than 7 miles by boat to reach the tangled bird. Photos show the eagle was freed, marking the start of her next chapter.
“The extremely exhausted eagle was then transported by American Wildlife Refuge, a local non-profit wildlife rehabilitator, to their facility for assessment and care,” says a B. Everett Jordan Lake Facebook post from Monday, March 30. “We’re happy to report she is recovering well and is expected to be released back into the wild within the next week or two!”
The surprise rescue unfolded early Friday, March 27. It happened along the Haw River near the Jordan Dam, Anna Gurney, a spokesperson for the wildlife commission, told The News & Observer via email.
“This is a powerful reminder to all who enjoy our waterways....properly dispose of all fishing lines and tackle,” Jordan Lake officials posted to Facebook. “Not many wildlife entanglement stories end in a successful rescue like this instance.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which runs the Facebook page, built Jordan Lake before it was completely submerged in 1982. These days, visitors can explore the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area in Chatham County, a roughly 25-mile drive west from downtown Raleigh.
“The beautiful lake is one of the largest summertime homes of the bald eagle, and an observation platform makes for easy spotting of our national bird,” the state park system wrote on its website.
Bald eagles are found throughout North Carolina and enjoy living near lakes, rivers and other bodies of water. The species is considered threatened and is under federal protection, according to the wildlife commission.
In addition to birdwatching, Jordan Lake offers camping, swimming, boating and other activities in and near the water.
This story was originally published April 1, 2026 at 10:11 AM with the headline "Bald eagle tangled along NC river needed help. Then came a heartwarming rescue."
