Eagle impaled on tip of 120 ft. radio tower rescued by MacClenny Fire and Rescue Department

MACCLENNY, Fla. — A bald eagle needed rescuing after being impaled by the tip of a lightning rod on top of a 120 ft. radio tower outside of St. George Elementary this week.

The bird was in major distress and was rescued by the MacClenny Fire and Rescue Department.

The fire department stated it got what they said was an “interesting” call to assist an eagle that had been impaled by the tip of a lightning rod over 120 ft. in the air at St. George Elementary. Crews already at the scene contacted wildlife authorities and it was determined someone would have to climb to the top of the rod.

Lt. Williams and ENG Castle loaded up in their 100 ft. tower and headed off to the scene. Once arriving, crews had to gain access to the area by cutting a fence by the base of the radio tower and they went 100 ft. up, which was their ladder’s max.

To reach the last 20 feet, Castle had to exit the bucket of the ladder and climb the remaining distance of the rod.

The engineer was successfully able to free the bird of its impalement, where it soared down and was captured by wildlife rescuers.

The MacClenny Fire and Rescue Department stated “Great job fellas. We are extremely proud of you and what a call. To be up close to America’s symbol of freedom, what a memory!”

The eagle was taken in for treatment due to its injuries from the impalement. At this time there are no updates on the eagle’s current health.

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MacClenny Fire and Rescue saving impaled eagle on 120 ft. pole Photos taken from the MacClenny Fire and Rescue Facebook Page

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