If you find an injured Bald Eagle, who should you contact?

• A. Local police
• B. NYSDEC Special License Unit within 48 hours
• C. The park ranger
• D. The wildlife observer club

Answer: (B)

Bald eagles are protected by law, so any injured individual must be handed off to the proper authorities who can legally take custody and provide care. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Special License Unit is the designated channel for obtaining the necessary temporary care permits and coordinating with licensed wildlife rehabilitators. Reaching out within 48 hours ensures the bird gets medical attention quickly and that all legal requirements for possession and treatment are followed. While local police or park staff can help with safety or logistics, they aren’t the proper authority to authorize capture and rehabilitation. A wildlife club, lacking regulatory authority, isn’t appropriate for initiating care.