05/07/2026
Planned Intervention Operation Underway for Dale Hollow Bald Eaglet Entangled in Fishing Line
The American Eagle Foundation, alongside multiple wildlife and community partners, will participate in a coordinated rescue effort on May 7, 2026, to assist a wild bald eaglet entangled in fishing line at a nest in the Dale Hollow area.
The nest currently contains three eaglets estimated to be approximately 6–7 weeks old.
During routine monitoring, volunteers identified monofilament fishing line in the nest, with one eaglet appearing to be entangled.
The American Eagle Foundation requested intervention in hopes of removing the line before any serious injuries occur.
After permits and authorizations were secured, a response team was assembled to safely access the nest, remove the fishing line, and assess the eaglet for possible injuries.
The operation is being coordinated with support from:
• American Eagle Foundation
• Lisa Thomison of Owl Ridge Raptor Center
• Nick Dwyer of Nick Dwyer Tree Care
• Dr. Thom Haig DVM
• Larry Eaton, Mayor of Athens, TN
• Tyler Matthews and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Sunset Marina – Tom Allen
• Willow Grove Marina – Mickey Ledbedder
• Twin Lakes
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
• Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
To protect the birds and responders, nest cameras will be temporarily disabled during the intervention operation.
If the eaglet is not injured, the goal is to remove the fishing line and safely leave the eaglet in the nest. If injuries are discovered, the eaglet may be transported to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for treatment and observation.
Discarded fishing line poses a serious threat to bald eagles and many other species of wildlife. Birds can become entangled while building nests or scavenging near waterways, often resulting in severe injuries or death if intervention is not possible.
The American Eagle Foundation encourages the public to help protect wildlife by properly disposing of fishing line, keeping waterways clean, and reporting injured wildlife to the appropriate authorities.
While every precaution is being taken to minimize stress and disturbance to the birds, wildlife rescue operations involving wild raptors and active nests carry inherent risks. The response team will make decisions based on the safety and welfare of the eaglets, rescue personnel, and the nesting pair at the time of the operation. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed, but all efforts will be made to provide the best possible care and response under the circumstances.
To support the American Eagle Foundation’s ongoing efforts to protect and conserve America’s eagles, please visit eagles.org/donate.
For updates or additional information, please contact:
Crystal Slusher
American Eagle Foundation
[email protected]
