The initial report suggested the bird was a bald eagle.
(Osgood, Ind.) – A hawk is recovering at a rehabilitation center after a rescue was made in Ripley County.
Last Thursday, Ripley County officers were dispatched to the 7000 North block of Baseline Road in Osgood for a report of an injured bald eagle on the roadside. The bird was later identified as a Red-Tailed Hawk or Red Shouldered Hawk.
Osgood Town Marshal Daniel Craig and Deputy Justin Linkel were the first to arrive and locate the injured bird and were assisted by Volunteer Special Deputy M. Chastain.
Indiana Conservation Officers were contacted but had an extended travel time so the officers on scene wasted no time. Ripley County Communications Center coordinated with multiple Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers across the state.
UTOPIA Wildlife Rehabilitators in Bartholomew County agreed to rehabilitate the bird if transport could be arranged.
Chastain volunteered to transport the bird to ensure full-time patrol officers were not pulled away from the county.
“I would like to thank everyone who participated in this rescue. There is a strong culture of law enforcement agencies working together across disciplines, and this was an outstanding example of the interagency cooperation that occurs in Ripley County,” said Sheriff Rob Bradley.