Golden Eagle

One of the largest and most widely distributed raptors in the world, the golden eagle is capable of hunting over 200 species of prey, ranging from rabbits to swans to small deer. There have even been reported cases of eagles successfully killing seals, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, coyotes, wolves, badgers, and bobcats. Despite this versatility, they typically feed on rodents and lagomorphs, especially jackrabbits. Although typically soaring at 28-32 miles per hour, a golden eagle can reach speeds of 150-200 miles per hour in a stoop, allowing them to collide with their prey at an extremely high speed. Although golden eagles are less agile than peregrine falcons, their diving speeds are fairly comparable, making golden eagles one of the fastest animals on earth! Additionally, they have extremely powerful feet with a grip strength of up to 750 psi; in comparison, a human male has an average grip strength of only 100 psi. 

Humans are the greatest threat to golden eagles, with an estimated 70 percent of deaths being attributable to anthropogenic causes. Historically, ranchers frequently shot, trapped, or poisoned eagles in a misguided attempt to protect their livestock. Additionally, golden eagles are often victims of secondary poisoning after consuming prey tainted with rodenticides or poisons intended for coyotes. Similarly, they are susceptible to lead poisoning as they frequently scavenge hunter-shot prey.

Duchess (F) Hatched: Unknown | Arrived: June 2004

Duchess was brought in to the Washington State University Veterinary Center after being hit by a car; she was diagnosed with a fractured ulna in her left wing. Despite extensive physical therapy, her wing still has a noticeable droop and she is unable to fly well enough to be released. Duchess can be shy, but sometimes you can find her in the Weathering Yard sunbathing.