BEDFORD COUNTY-- A bald eagle found floating in the Duck River by a kayaker in Bedford County this past weekend is due to be released on Friday, March 23.

Tennessee Wildlife Officer, Larry Thurston was alerted to the animal in distress on Saturday, March 17. After rescuing the eagle he took it to the Shelbyville Animal Hospital where the Dr.'s Anderson and Stimpson cared for the animal overnight. On Sunday officer Thurston transported the eagle to Walden's Puddle Rehabilitation Center where the eagle recuperated.

At the time the eagle was rescued it appeared weak and lethargic. Although there was no trauma indicating that the animal had been shot, an x-ray of the animal shows a small round object in the wing which resembles the shape and size of a shot gun pellet.

Walden's Puddle staff confirmed that it was a pellet but that the injury was old. It is not clear at this time what caused the eagle to become ill, but after spending the week in rehab it has regained its strength and will be released near where it was rescued.