NYPD Officers Rescue Injured Bald Eagle Trapped on Hudson River Ice

The eagle was spotted by the NYPD Harbor Unit and brought to safety at an animal sanctuary in New Jersey.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Members of the New York Police Department's Harbor Unit rescued an injured bald eagle that was stranded on floating ice in the Hudson River. The officers used a catch pole to gently capture the bird, which had blood on its wing, and transported it to an animal sanctuary in New Jersey for treatment.

Why it matters

Bald eagles are a federally protected species, and injuring or killing one is illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. This rescue highlights the NYPD's efforts to protect wildlife and the city's natural environment.

The details

The NYPD officers spotted the injured eagle while patrolling the Hudson River near the George Washington Bridge. Body cam footage shows an officer using a catch pole to carefully capture the bird, which was standing on a broken block of ice. The eagle was then wrapped in a tarp and blanket and placed in a crate before being transported to the animal sanctuary.

  • The rescue occurred on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 9:27 a.m. local time.

The players

NYPD Harbor Unit

A specialized unit of the New York Police Department that patrols the city's waterways, including the Hudson River.

Bald Eagle

The national bird of the United States, which is a federally protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

Animal Sanctuary in New Jersey

The facility where the injured bald eagle was transported for treatment after being rescued by the NYPD.

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What they’re saying

“While patrolling the Hudson River earlier this morning, our Harbor Unit officers spotted an injured bald eagle floating on the ice and calling out for help.”

— NYPD (NYPD Facebook page)

“It's alright, bro, it's alright. I think he's fine, I think we're good.”

— NYPD Officer (Body cam footage)

What’s next

The injured bald eagle will receive treatment at the animal sanctuary in New Jersey before being evaluated for release back into the wild.

The takeaway

This rescue operation demonstrates the NYPD's commitment to protecting the city's wildlife and natural environment, even in challenging situations like an injured bald eagle stranded on the icy Hudson River.