Eagle Suffering From Broken Wings Due to Net Entanglement

In Dharamshala the Shiva Association team came across a hawk lying weakly on the ground, both her wings injured and unable to move properly. On closer inspection they found the cause, she had gotten tangled in a net, most likely one used for covering crops, catching kites, or netting spread across rooftops, something that traps birds far more often than people realize. Struggling to break free had caused serious damage to her wings, leaving her grounded and unable to fly.

How She Was Found and Helped

Someone spotted her lying still near a building, clearly unable to take off despite trying, and reached out to the Shiva Association for help. The team arrived and found her exhausted, her wings bent at an unnatural angle from the struggle against the net. Handling an injured bird of prey requires a gentle but firm touch since fear can make them react unpredictably even while badly hurt. They carefully examined both wings, checking for fractures and any cuts caused by the net digging into her skin during the struggle. Once assessed, her wings were carefully stabilized to prevent further damage, and any wounds from the net were cleaned to avoid infection. She was given medicine to manage her pain and was then moved to a quiet, safe space away from further stress, where she could begin the slow process of healing under close observation.

Why This Kind of Injury Is More Dangerous Than It Looks

A broken wing is especially serious for a bird whose entire survival depends on flight:

• Without flying, she has no way to hunt or find food on her own
• Fractures in the wing that don't heal properly can leave her permanently grounded
• Struggling against a net for too long can cause deep cuts, restricting blood flow to parts of the wing
• The stress of being trapped and unable to escape can weaken her overall health significantly
• If the injury isn't treated correctly, even a full recovery of the bone might not restore proper flight

For birds of prey, healing isn't just about the injury itself, it's about giving the wing the exact care needed so she can eventually fly and hunt again.

How We Can Stop This From Happening Again

• Avoid using loose nets over crops, terraces, or rooftops without checking them regularly for trapped animals
• If you spot a bird tangled in a net, don't try to free it yourself, contact a rescue group immediately since improper handling can worsen the injury
• Choose bird-safe netting alternatives where possible, especially in areas with frequent bird activity
• Regularly inspect any nets or wires around your property to prevent accidental entanglement
• Supporting wildlife rescue teams ensures injured birds get the specialized care they need to have a real chance at flying again