Beloved B.C. eagle Hercules found safe

A beloved bald eagle that disappeared during a routine flight in the Cowichan Valley has been found safe, bringing relief to staff and supporters across Vancouver Island.

The Raptors Wildlife Centre announced the news in an update posted to social media.

“Hercules has been found and is safe and sound!” the organization said in a Facebook post.

Hercules, a trained bald eagle that has flown freely at the facility for 14 years, went missing May 9 after strong soaring conditions carried him farther than expected during a regular flight.

Staff at the centre said the eagle is highly experienced and routinely flies free multiple times a day without issue. While it is not unusual for the birds to briefly explore before returning, Hercules’ radio telemetry device reportedly fell off during the early part of his flight, making it difficult to track him.

The centre said Hercules initially headed south from the Cowichan Valley and asked the public to watch for a bald eagle displaying unusual behaviour, including lingering in urban areas, perching on rooftops or low trees, and showing an unusual tolerance for humans.

The social media appeal was widely shared across Vancouver Island amid concerns the well-known eagle could become vulnerable to harassment from other birds while away from his handlers.

The Raptors thanked the public for helping spread awareness during the search. Additional details about where Hercules was found and how he was recovered were not immediately available.