The brothers, from Chelmsford, Ontario, were grouse shooting on Tuesday when they came across an eagle stuck in a trap, they told local paper, the Sudbury Star. “I knew we had to do something right away”.
Advertisement
The brothers set the bird free, but made a decision to capture the moment beforehand.
“At first the eagle was a bit nervous to have my brother and myself there… as soon as he realised we were trying to help he kind of calmed down a little bit”.
The Facebook video shows Neil lifting the bird up to shoulder height and giving it a push before it flies into a nearby tree.
“I think it’s really great the Michael and Neil took the gumption to actually try and deal with the bird … most people might be a bit hesitant to approach them”, he said.
The pair slowly stepped closer, realizing the bird was still alive.
“I was surprised by the size, and that it’s such a handsome bird”. As Blomme stated, “it’s quite a large, predatory bird with sharp claws and a sharp beak”.
Advertisement
Michael and Neil Fletcher said that their experience of freeing the eagle and having their selfie taken with it was one that they would never forget. In it, they can be seen struggling with the trap for at least three minutes while an excitable – and probably curious – golden retriever hovers. Their remarkable story, photos and videos on Facebook have gone viral, making the brothers worldwide celebs.
