A Florida man braved an alligator-inhabited lake to save a wounded bald eagle, sustaining injuries from the raptor’s talons while rescuing the symbol of American freedom.
At a Glance
- Doug Hay of Lakewood Ranch, Florida risked his life by swimming into a lake where a 7-foot alligator lives to rescue an injured bald eagle
- The eagle had been injured in a fight with another eagle and was struggling in the middle of a 100-yard lake
- Hay suffered talon wounds to his arm while bringing the eagle safely to shore
- The injured bird was taken to the Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida for treatment of serious thoracic injuries
Patriotic Rescue Mission
Doug Hay of Lakewood Ranch, Florida demonstrated extraordinary courage on April 19 when he dove into a lake to save a wounded bald eagle, despite knowing a 7-foot alligator called the water home. The dramatic rescue began when Hay heard an unusual splash and witnessed what appeared to be a fight between two eagles that left one severely injured. The wounded bird ended up struggling in the water, unable to fly due to its injuries.
Without hesitation, Hay made the split-second decision to swim approximately 50 yards into the lake where the eagle was floundering. The injured raptor was trapped “smack in the middle” of the 100-yard lake with no chance of reaching shore on its own, according to Hay’s account of the incident.
A Florida man dove into an alligator-infested lake to rescue an injured bald eagle. https://t.co/1YgxfEbqy9
— WSVN 7 News (@wsvn) April 24, 2025
Dangerous Rescue Under Watchful Eyes
As Hay approached the distressed eagle, his wife recorded the daring rescue on camera from the safety of the shoreline. The operation became even more perilous when Hay attempted to bring the eagle back to land. The frightened bird, using its last reserves of strength, latched onto Hay’s arm with its powerful talons, causing several puncture wounds. Despite the pain, Hay continued swimming toward shore while supporting the injured raptor.
“I barely made it to shore,” Hay told reporters, describing how the combination of the eagle’s weight, his own injuries, and the fear of the lurking alligator made the return journey particularly challenging.
Once safely on dry land, Hay realized the eagle’s injuries were severe, preventing it from flying. He immediately contacted wildlife experts who could provide proper medical attention for the wounded national symbol. The bird was subsequently transported to the Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida, where specialists identified a serious thoracic cavity wound requiring extensive treatment.
A Symbol Worth Saving
Despite suffering injuries of his own from the eagle’s razor-sharp talons, Hay expressed no regrets about his dangerous intervention. When asked if he would undertake such a risky rescue again, Hay’s response was unequivocal. He emphasized the eagle’s importance as “the symbol of America” and affirmed his willingness to repeat the rescue despite the considerable personal danger involved.
“It’s the symbol of America,” Hay explained about his motivation to save the wounded eagle, regardless of the potential dangers from both the alligator and the bird itself.
Wildlife officials have not provided a detailed prognosis for the eagle’s recovery, but they commended Hay’s brave actions that gave the injured bird a fighting chance at survival. The rescue highlights both the ongoing conservation efforts that have helped bald eagle populations rebound across America and the passionate commitment many citizens feel toward protecting this iconic species that represents American freedom and strength.
