'Injured' bald eagle just fat

Republic, Mo. — A bald eagle spotted in a Missouri national battlefield that was suspected to be injured was determined to be "too fat to fly."

The eagle was captured in Wilson's Creek National Battlefield by the Missouri Department of Conservation. The bird was reported as injured, but when officials arrived they found the bird was healthy, but was "engorged with a raccoon–in other words, too fat to fly," according to the park officials' facebook post.

X-rays taken of the bird by Dickerson Park Zoo, show the outline of what they believe to be raccoon roadkill. The outline of a raccoon paw can be seen in the X-ray image.

The eagle was rehabilitated and released into the area in accordance with state law. The eagle's release was a coordinated effort between NPS, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and the Dickerson Park Zoo.

Introducing wildlife into the parks is illegal. The eagle was released near where it was found and in compliance with federal and state laws, park officials said in their post.