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In June 2016, Jason Galvin helped free a young bald eagle entangled high in a tree near Rush City, Minnesota—but the story was not simply that a town refused to help. Local authorities reportedly said they could not reach the bird safely, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources approved Galvin’s attempt before he acted. The eagle survived, though lasting talon damage meant it could not return to the wild.
Why couldn’t officials reach the eagle?
Jason and Jackie Galvin and their neighbors noticed the eagle hanging from a tree shortly before the Fourth of July weekend in 2016. CBS Minnesota/WCCO reported that it was about 70 feet above the ground, with a leg caught in rope tangled around a branch. Later accounts described the material as twine or other entangling line, so the exact material is not consistent across reports.
Jackie Galvin told WCCO that officials had known about the eagle for two and a half days. The family contacted police, the fire department and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. According to the contemporary report, those contacted said they could not safely reach the bird; Jackie characterized the obstacle as a liability and safety issue. That account supports a more qualified version of the headline: the reports do not establish that a town formally refused to help.
How did Jason Galvin help free it?
Jason first checked the bird with binoculars. He told WCCO he had thought it was dead, but saw its head move and realized it was alive. The report says the DNR gave him permission before he used a .22 rifle to break the branch and rope. This was a specific, agency-approved intervention—not a general rescue method or advice to shoot near wildlife.
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#1 Best Overall
- Realistic Design: Features detailed feathers and iconic white head, showcasing the majestic bald eagle.
- Educational Tool: Learn about the bald eagle's role as a national symbol and its remarkable recovery.
- Safe and Durable: Made from PVC plastic, safe for kids ages 3+, and built for long-lasting enjoyment.
- Dimensions: Measures 2 inches tall and 1.5 inches wide, slightly smaller than a credit card upright.
- Play and Display: Ideal for bird enthusiasts, educational use, or as a striking decorative piece.
Galvin said the effort took about an hour and a half and 150 shots. A neighbor and a conservation officer helped wrap the eagle in a blanket after it came down, and it was transported to the University of Minnesota Raptor Center for care. Those figures come from Galvin’s account in WCCO’s 2016 report, not from an independent measurement.
What happened to the eagle, Freedom?
The eagle survived and was named Freedom. The Raptor Center treated it, but lasting damage to its talons left it unable to hunt well enough to live independently. In its 2017 follow-up, WCCO reported that the center decided Freedom would remain there permanently and take part in educational visits. That later outcome is more definitive than a 2023 retelling that anticipated release.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Hand-Carved Wooden Bald Eagle Figurine – Expertly crafted from natural wood, this miniature eagle sculpture showcases fine details and a smooth, polished finish. A perfect patriotic decor piece for home, office, or collectors.
- Miniature Bird Art & Collectible Statue – Measuring approximately 2 inches, this wooden bald eagle carving is ideal for collectors of bird figurines, wildlife lovers, and rustic home decor enthusiasts. A stunning addition to cottagecore, farmhouse, or woodland interiors
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- Authentic Wildlife Carving & Premium Craftsmanship – Every Selsela bald eagle figurine is hand-painted and individually carved, ensuring a one-of-a-kind wooden bird sculpture that highlights traditional wood craftsmanship and the beauty of nature.
Rank #4
- Package: Pack of 12 pieces tiny resin eagles, each crafted in a unique pose to add variety and visual interest, including perching, soaring, standing & spreading wings poses
- Material: Made from durable resin with hand-painted details, capturing the iconic brown feathers, white head, and yellow beak of the bald eagle, smooth surface without burrs, sturdy and not easy to break
- COMPACT SIZE: Every tiny bald eagle statue has multiple sizes range from 1.1cm–4.7cm in length, weights 1g–7.6g to meet diverse scene layout demands. Ultra-mini portable size, won’t take much space; lightweight design easy to move and rearrange your miniature landscape layout anytime
- Exquisite Realistic Detail: Each bald hawk figurine features realistic white head, brown feather body and golden claws, highly restore wild bald eagle appearance. Wonderful small gift for micro landscape enthusiasts, bonsai lovers, aquarium hobbyists, dollhouse model builders and craft DIY fans. Suitable for birthday, holiday, party giveaway; great props for people to know wild bird animals
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Rank #3
- BRING HOME THE WILD TO YOUR CHILD - The Harpy Eagle figure is designed to ensure a high attention to detail for an authentic and realistic look that captures the eagle's sharp eyes. This toy figurine is a valuable addition to any toy collection for endless play.
- DISCOVER THE WILD WORLD OF ANIMALS - The Harpy Eagle toy from Schleich is designed for safe and creative pretend play. Unleash your child's imagination with endless storytelling possibilities.
- GIVE CHILDREN THE GIFT OF MAGIC AND WONDER - Meticulously designed to inspire safe, healthy, and imaginative play among children, either as a standalone toy or part of a larger collection for wildlife fun.
- STEP INTO THE WILD SIDE OF WILD LIFE - Adventure awaits! Swing through the jungle with the monkeys, spot the lions on safari, hear the howl of the wolf through the trees. Our Wild Life play sets include grassland, woodland, forest creatures and more.
- IMAGINATION WITHOUT LIMITATION - Schleich toys come in all shapes and sizes to bring every story to life. We value sustainability which is why we have created diverse worlds of durable toys built-to-last that can be treasured for generations to come.
Rank #2
- 6 Iconic Birds of Prey: This detailed set includes 6 hand-painted figurines of majestic raptors: Golden Eagle, Red-Tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle, Great Horned Owl, Peregrine Falcon, and Vulture. Each figure highlights the distinct features and fierce beauty of these powerful birds.
- Solid Plastic Design: Crafted from solid, non-hollow plastic, these bird figures are built to last. The sturdy construction ensures long-term durability, making them ideal for both play and display as high-quality collectibles.
- Sized for Little Hands: These bird models are perfectly sized for toddlers and young children. Easy to hold and carry, they encourage hands-on exploration and imaginative play for kids.
- Lifelike Detail and Realistic Poses: Each bird figurine is sculpted in a natural pose with realistic feather textures and markings, sparking curiosity and helping children learn about bird species through tactile, interactive play.
- Ideal Gift for Bird Lovers: Perfect for birthdays, classroom activities, or bird-themed parties, these figurines also work great as cake toppers, party favors, or educational toys—sure to delight birdwatchers and young nature enthusiasts alike.
What to do if you find an injured or trapped wild bird
- Keep your distance and do not try to climb to, handle, or dislodge the animal yourself.
- Contact local wildlife authorities or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and follow their instructions. If the bird is in immediate danger or the location creates a public safety hazard, tell the responding agency.
- Observe from a safe place. Binoculars can help you see whether an animal is moving without approaching it; they are for observation, not a substitute for professional rescue.
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