An eaglet that recently hatched at a conservation center in West Virginia has died. (National Conservation Training Center)
Shepherdstown, W.Va.
A chick that was hatched earlier this week has died after unexpected behavior from its father.
According to the National Conservation Training Center, the bald eagle chick hatched in a nest at the facility Monday at about 11:30 a.m.
The eaglet enjoyed its first meal at about 5 p.m. but sadly the conservation center said it would be its last.
About a couple of hours after the feeding, the father reportedly seemed confused and was rough with the chick before ultimately consuming the hatchling.
“Just about two hours after the female gently fed fish to the eaglet, the male bald eagle returned to the nest and exhibited unexpected behavior,” representatives with the center said.
The team shared that bird behavior is complex and driven by hormones and instinct.
“It is best not to think of birds of prey in human terms and having human emotions. Bald eagles are naturally predatory and aggressive; that’s the only way they can survive,” the team said.
The center called the chick’s death heartbreaking but said that it is not uncommon for birds of prey to attack or even eat their young and it is something that has been seen in other nests.
“This difficult event offers a valuable lesson about the circle of life. Nature can be wonderful and very harsh — at the same time,” the team said.
The chick’s death comes just days after the team shared a video of its mother eagle protecting her eggs during a thunderstorm.