A wedge-tailed eagle that was shot through the leg with an arrow has been rescued alive after an intensive search across southern Tasmania.
The injured bird was captured in Kettering on Sunday, after several sightings were reported by concerned locals around the Electrona area.
“We’re incredibly relieved to share that the wedge-tailed eagle who was shot through the leg with an arrow has finally been captured and is now safe and in care,” Raptor Refuge said.
“It’s been quite the mission to find and catch him and we couldn’t have done it without the help of so many caring people.”
The organisation described the eagle as “alive” and “strong”.
Rescuers said the arrow had already fallen out by the time they reached him.
The rescue follows weeks of searching, sparked by photos of the wounded eagle that caused public outrage and led to a $15,000 reward for information.
Raptor Refuge has slammed the shooting as a “cowardly act” against an endangered species.
Tasmania’s wedge-tailed eagles are under increasing threat from habitat loss, powerline collisions and deliberate attacks.
Fewer than 300 breeding pairs believed to remain in the wild in Tasmania.
