AU-eagle

1/11/00

AUBURN WILL RELEASE BALD EAGLE AT LAKE GUNTERSVILLE PARK

AUBURN -- The resurgence of the American bald eagle will get another boost this weekend in North Alabama when Auburn University officials release a rehabilitated eagle at Lake Guntersville State Park.

The eagle, nicknamed Lucas, has been recovering at Auburn's Southeastern Raptor Rehabilitation Center since October after suffering a gunshot wound, said Joe Shelnutt, director.

It will be released during a ceremony on the lodge balcony on Saturday at 9:45 a.m.

"The area surrounding Lake Guntersville is an ideal environment for a bald eagle," Shelnutt said. "There is an abundance of food sources and nesting habitat."

The public is invited to view the release and then attend a birds-of-prey educational program at 10 a.m. inside the lodge.

"This program has turned into an annual event in North Alabama," Shelnutt added. "In the past, we have had between 300 and 400 people attend. Many wildlife officers and local officials are also expected this year."

The Southeastern Raptor Rehabilitation Center, established in 1972, is a full- service medical and surgical raptor rehabilitation facility and is the only center of its type in the Southeast. The center -- based in AU's College of Veterinary Medicine -- specializes in raptors, or birds of prey, such as falcons, hawks, eagles and owls.

"As recently as 1985, there were no bald eagles nesting in Alabama," Shelnutt said. "Today, there are about 24 or 25 pairs nesting in the state, thanks to conservation efforts of federal, state and local officials, as well as concerned private citizens."

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed bald eagles from the endangered species list last July, which means that their population has risen to a stable level and that federal programs to increase their numbers have been curtailed.

But the birds remain under federal protection because of the Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940 and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Anyone caught harming one could receive stiff penalties, with repeat offenders facing up to 10 years in jail and a $10,000 fine.

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CONTACT: Shelnutt, 334/844-6025.