Shortly after the beginning of the new year, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office and Indiana Conservation Officer Nick Hartman rescued an injured Bald Eagle near Morton.
At the time, the plan was to nurse the bird back to full health and release it back into the wild, where it was originally found. However, Putnam County Sheriff Jerrod Baugh took to social media this week to announce the eagle had passed away.
In a statement released on Facebook, Baugh said the eagle was transported to a wildlife rehabilitation center and had passed away due to "unforeseen complications."
"Despite the dedicated efforts of those who worked tirelessly to care for it, the outcome was not what we had all hoped for. We are grateful to the rehabilitation team for their compassion and commitment, and to our community for the support and concern shown during this time," Baugh wrote.
Baugh said the eagle is a "powerful symbol of strength and freedom."
"Its presence reminds us of the beauty of our natural world and the values we hold dear as a nation," he said.
Parke, Putnam and Vermillion counties now eligible for FEMA assistance
Several fundraisers are planned to benefit the Montezuma family and fight back against Alzheimer's
Postal Service recommends 2026 holiday mailing and shipping dates
Gov. Braun leads largest coordinated debris operations in recent state history
Attorney General Todd Rokita calls on Hoosiers to claim compensation for inflated generic drug prices
Pennsylvania Attorney General's Cold Case Section, Erie investigators announce arrest of Brazil, IN man in 2002 rape, murder
Impaired driver taken to hospital then jail after crash
Gov. Braun announces plan for new, larger campground at McCormick’s Creek State Park
Governor Braun proclaims Indiana Rail Safety Week September 21-27
State unemployment rate remains below national average
Indiana weekly gas price update
Riverton Parke looks to continue momentum
Parke County Community Foundation awards funds for Ritz renovations
USDA announces 2026 and 2027 enrollment for key price and revenue safety net programs, first base acre increase in two decades
Gov. Braun continues to deliver on promise to keep local governments whole during gas tax holiday
