According to the Montana Highway Patrol, several drivers began slowing their vehicles after noticing an adult bald eagle standing in the emergency lane, refusing to move despite approaching traffic. The bird appeared calm but alert, holding its position as cars passed cautiously.
A state trooper responding to the slowdown discovered the reason for the eagle’s behavior. Just a few feet away from the roadway, partially concealed by gravel and grass, lay an injured eaglet that was unable to fly. Wildlife officials believe the young eagle had likely fallen from a nearby nest earlier that morning.
Rather than retreating, the adult eagle remained near the eaglet, effectively forcing traffic to slow and drawing attention to the situation. Officers temporarily closed the affected lane while wildlife rescue personnel safely retrieved the injured bird.
Once the eaglet was removed from harm’s way, the adult eagle stepped back and eventually flew off toward nearby trees. Traffic resumed shortly afterward. No injuries were reported, and the eaglet was transported to a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center for treatment.
Officials described the incident as unusual but emphasized that adult eagles are known to exhibit strong protective behavior toward their young.