Raleigh officer helps struggling bald eagle get to safety

A Raleigh animal control officer is drawing kudos online after helping an American symbol of freedom.

Officer Kostka helped a bald eagle get the treatment he needed on Friday.

RPD said Kostka responded to a call about an injured eagle at the off ramp at Interstate 540 and Aviation Parkway. A man found the bird struggling to fly away and standing dangerously close to the edge of the road. The officer wrapped it in a towel and took it to a vet.

Police said the bird will be "eligible for rehabilitation" and passed on to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Kostka and the eagle posed for a selfie on social media.

A post on the RPD's Twitter page read: "Yesterday one of our officers had the opportunity to help one of our city’s wildlife residents. Thank you to Officer Kostka for taking the time to get this eagle into the proper hands for rehabilitation."

Although bald eagles are no longer considered an endangered species, bald and golden eagles are still protected under multiple federal laws and regulations.