Photo: Tammi Mild / iStock / Getty Images
Lakewood Ranch, FL - A Lakewood Ranch man is being praised after jumping into a lake, known to house a 7-foot alligator, to rescue an injured bald eagle over the weekend.
Doug Hay, nearly 70, said he and his wife were sitting in their home Saturday when they heard a loud crash.
Looking outside, Hay saw an eagle struggling in the middle of the lake with another circling above.
Believing the birds had fought mid-air, Hay sprang into action.
“I’ve loved animals all my life,” Hay said. “I didn’t think twice.”
Without hesitation, Hay tossed his phone, kicked off his flip-flops, and dove into the water.
Despite knowing about the alligator, he swam nearly 100 yards to the struggling bird.
When he reached it, the eagle latched onto his forearm with its talons, leaving minor injuries.
“I was pretty exhausted getting back to shore,” Hay admitted.
Hay and his wife monitored the eagle before transporting it to the Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida in Venice.
Executive Director Pam DeFouw said the bird’s wound was severe, possibly from a talon strike, but it’s now stable and undergoing antibiotic treatment.
Once it heals, it will begin physical therapy to regain flight ability.
“It was a very brave thing Doug did,” DeFouw said. “We don’t recommend it due to safety risks, but he saved that eagle’s life.”
Hay, reflecting on the moment, said he has no regrets. “It’s the symbol of our country,” he said. “Of course I’d save it.”