NYPD Rescues Injured Bald Eagle from Hudson River

Cops save majestic bird after spotting it floating on ice and in distress

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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NYPD Harbor cops rescued a bloodied and injured bald eagle that was floating on ice in the Hudson River near the George Washington Bridge on Wednesday morning. The officers used a catch pole to retrieve the eagle, which appeared to have a broken wing, and transported it to an animal sanctuary in New Jersey.

Why it matters

Bald eagles have been making a significant comeback in the New York City area in recent years, with more sightings near the Hudson River in the winter. This rescue highlights the NYPD's commitment to protecting wildlife and the city's natural environment.

The details

The NYPD officers were on patrol around 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday when they heard the eagle screeching and spotted it floating on the ice with a bloody face and wing. They steered their boat through the ice, extended a catch pole, wrapped the eagle in a blanket, and placed it in a pet carrier. The rescue took about 30 minutes and involved four officers working together to safely retrieve the injured bird.

  • The rescue occurred on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 around 9:30 a.m.

The players

NYPD Harbor Cops

A team of NYPD officers who patrol the city's waterways and are trained to rescue wildlife in distress.

The Raptor Trust

An animal sanctuary in New Jersey that specializes in the rehabilitation of birds of prey, including bald eagles.

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What they’re saying

“It was squawking. We knew it was in distress. We rescue anything and anybody.”

— Sgt. Mike Russo, NYPD Officer (New York Post)

What’s next

The injured bald eagle will receive medical treatment and rehabilitation at The Raptor Trust sanctuary in New Jersey.

The takeaway

This rescue operation highlights the NYPD's commitment to protecting New York City's wildlife and the ongoing recovery of the bald eagle population in the region.