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Athens Mayor Larry Eaton Challenges Federal Order to Euthanize Rescued Bald Eagle

Athens Mayor Larry Eaton Challenges Federal Order to Euthanize Rescued Bald Eagle

Athens, Tennessee Mayor Larry Eaton is actively challenging a federal order from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to euthanize Phoenix, a rescued female bald eagle. Phoenix sustained severe injuries, including a fractured radius and ulna in her left wing, and underwent surgery and rehabilitation. While her veterinarian, T.A. Haig, confirms she cannot return to the wild due to a drooping wing and inability to fly well, Haig believes Phoenix has adapted well to captivity and is a suitable candidate for permanent placement. The Owl Ridge Raptor Center, where Phoenix is being cared for, has reportedly secured a permanent home for the eagle. However, Mariah Letowt, a migratory bird permits specialist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has reiterated the federal agency's decision, stating that Phoenix is not a good candidate for captivity and euthanasia is the most humane action. The order instructs the center to euthanize Phoenix within seven calendar days.
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Reverses Euthanasia Order for Rescued Bald Eagle in Tennessee

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Reverses Euthanasia Order for Rescued Bald Eagle in Tennessee

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has rescinded its directive to euthanize Phoenix, a rescued bald eagle in Tennessee. The initial order had mandated the bird's euthanasia by Monday, despite a veterinarian's recommendation for sanctuary placement and an agreement for a permanent home. Larry Eaton, an Athens, Tennessee, wildlife rescuer and town mayor, had been advocating for Phoenix's life. Phoenix, a 5-year-old female, suffered a fractured radius and ulna in her left wing and underwent surgery in April. Although she received physical therapy and rehabilitation at the Owl Ridge Raptor Center, her flying ability remains limited, making her unsuitable for release into the wild. After extensive efforts by Eaton, including contacting state and federal lawmakers, the Fish and Wildlife Service announced it is no longer recommending euthanasia and is actively exploring other options for the eagle's continued care. Phoenix is now slated for placement at Radnor Lake State Park in Nashville.
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Athens Mayor Intervenes to Prevent Euthanasia of Rescued Bald Eagle

Athens Mayor Intervenes to Prevent Euthanasia of Rescued Bald Eagle

Athens Mayor Larry Eaton successfully intervened to prevent the euthanasia of Phoenix, a rescued bald eagle. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had initially ordered the bird, which sustained severe injuries including a fractured wing, to be euthanized within seven days. Phoenix has been under the care of Owl Ridge Raptor Center since April 7, where she underwent surgery at the University of Tennessee and subsequent physical therapy. Despite her inability to return to the wild due to a drooping left wing, her veterinarian, T.A. Haig, concluded that Phoenix has adapted well to captivity and is a suitable candidate for permanent placement. Mayor Eaton, who previously assisted in another eagle rescue, wrote to federal officials urging them to reconsider, emphasizing the importance of protecting the national emblem. Following his intervention, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reversed its decision, stating they are no longer recommending euthanasia and will explore other options for the eagle's care.
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Idaho Leaders Support Proposed Revision to Endangered Species Act's '4(d) Rule' for Grizzly Bear Management

Idaho Leaders Support Proposed Revision to Endangered Species Act's '4(d) Rule' for Grizzly Bear Management

Idaho officials, including Governor Brad Little and U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, are backing a proposed revision to the Endangered Species Act's '4(d) rule' by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This proposal aims to shift management responsibility for grizzly bear recovery to state levels, granting Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming greater control. Currently, the '4(d) rule' makes harming or killing grizzlies illegal unless specifically permitted by federal authorities. The proposed change would allow the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to create specific rules for species designated as 'threatened,' potentially expanding the circumstances under which grizzly bears could be killed. Attorney General Raúl Labrador has also submitted formal comments supporting the change, arguing that Idaho has successfully grown its grizzly bear population and that the federal government should acknowledge this success. Conservation groups, however, are criticizing the proposal, expressing concerns that it could jeopar...
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Idaho Leaders and Conservationists Clash Over Proposed Grizzly Bear Management Shift

Idaho Leaders and Conservationists Clash Over Proposed Grizzly Bear Management Shift

Idaho officials and conservation groups are at odds over a proposed rule by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) that would shift grizzly bear management authority to the states of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. The proposal, announced in July, aims to revise the Endangered Species Act's '4(d) rule' for threatened species, potentially expanding the allowable killing of grizzly bears. Idaho leaders, including Governor Brad Little, U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, and Attorney General Raúl Labrador, support the change, arguing that local wildlife agencies are best equipped to manage the bears based on science and without bureaucratic inefficiencies. Conversely, environmental organizations like Earthjustice criticize the proposal, asserting it could jeopardize grizzly bear recovery by weakening federal protections and allowing for potentially unlimited mortality outside core recovery areas, setting back decades of progress.
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Shares Images of Day-Old Goslings Leaping from Nests

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Shares Images of Day-Old Goslings Leaping from Nests

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has released a series of photographs capturing day-old Canada goose goslings leaping from their nests. These nests are typically situated on platforms 25 feet in the air. Photographer Jake Bonello, who is also the refuge manager at the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer, took these images. The USFWS and the U.S. Department of the Interior have clarified that this behavior is normal for goslings. They are lightweight, and their fluffy down provides a cushion for the fall. After this initial leap, the goslings remain close to their parents throughout the summer until they are capable of flight. Canada geese typically lay clutches of around six eggs, and after approximately 25 days of incubation, the goslings are ready to walk and swim within a day of hatching.
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Political Action Committees Spend $1.12 Million Against Norman in South Carolina U.S. Senate Race

Political Action Committees Spend $1.12 Million Against Norman in South Carolina U.S. Senate Race

In the South Carolina U.S. Senate race, two political action committees (PACs), American Mission and Invest in Tomorrow, have spent $1.12 million on advertising against candidate Norman. Invest in Tomorrow, which is aligned with the clean energy industry, has a history of intervening in Republican primary elections, including contributing to the defeat of former Congressman Chip Roy in his bid for Texas Attorney General and Andy Ogles in his Tennessee re-election bid for Congress. American Mission, largely funded by artificial intelligence executives, has drawn scrutiny from campaign finance watchdogs due to allegations of deceptive spending practices. These expenditures highlight the significant role of external funding in shaping the narrative and outcomes of U.S. political campaigns.
Nashville Tennessean Nashville Tennessean
Blackburn says she'll choose her Senate successor. Who might she pick?

Blackburn says she'll choose her Senate successor. Who might she pick?

If Sen. Marsha Blackburn is elected governor, she says she'll choose her own Senate successor. Who might she pick?
Nashville Tennessean Nashville Tennessean
Fewer Tennessee kindergarteners vaccinated as nonmedical exemptions climb during 2025-2026 school year

Fewer Tennessee kindergarteners vaccinated as nonmedical exemptions climb during 2025-2026 school year

Nationwide, vaccination coverage among kindergarteners declined for all routinely reported vaccines compared with the previous school year.
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Implements Superglued Backpacks to Track Endangered Crayfish

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Implements Superglued Backpacks to Track Endangered Crayfish

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is trialing a new method to track the Big Sandy crayfish (Cambarus callainus), a federally threatened species found in Appalachian rivers and streams. Biologists are attaching tiny 'backpacks' containing Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags to the crayfish using superglue. This initiative is part of broader efforts to boost the population of these four-inch freshwater crustaceans, which have seen their numbers decline since 2016 due to water pollution and habitat loss. The White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery in West Virginia raises crayfish for one to two months before releasing them into their natural habitat. Current tracking methods, such as visible implant elastomer (VIE) tagging, only indicate a specimen is from the hatchery but do not provide individual identification. The new superglued PIT tag system aims to provide individual tracking data, which is crucial for assessing the survival rates of released crayfish during their critical first month...
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Jackie the Bald Eagle's Death Sparks Public Outcry and Criticism Against Wildlife Care Team

Jackie the Bald Eagle's Death Sparks Public Outcry and Criticism Against Wildlife Care Team

Jackie, a renowned 14-year-old bald eagle from Southern California, passed away on August 10 after weeks of treatment, leading to widespread grief among her millions of online followers and significant criticism directed at the caregivers. Jackie, who gained international attention through a viral livestream in the Big Bear Valley, was rescued on July 18 after being found grounded following an altercation with two younger eagles. Veterinarians at the Ojai Raptor Center diagnosed her with severe anemia, emaciation, and dehydration. Despite receiving blood transfusions and oxygen therapy, her health deteriorated. State wildlife officials later indicated she suffered a large blood clot in her wing and kidney, though necropsy results are pending. Following her death, staff members at the Ojai Raptor Center and the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley faced severe backlash, including repeated phone calls, unexpected visits, and harassing messages on personal social media accounts. This prompted staff to restric...
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Memorial Grows for Jackie the Bald Eagle in Big Bear Valley

Memorial Grows for Jackie the Bald Eagle in Big Bear Valley

A memorial dedicated to Jackie the bald eagle is expanding at Fawn Park in Fawnskin, located in Big Bear Valley. This growing tribute reflects the community's efforts to honor Jackie's life. The memorial serves as a focal point for individuals to express their respect and remembrance for the bald eagle, which has evidently held significant importance to the residents and visitors of the Big Bear Valley area. The gathering of tributes at Fawn Park indicates a collective mourning and appreciation for Jackie.