A bald eagle struck by a semi-truck along Interstate 5 in Tumwater on Sunday is recovering after a multi-agency rescue effort, according to the Washington State Patrol. While the incident occurred roughly 70 miles north of Cowlitz County, it highlights wildlife hazards increasingly seen along the I‑5 corridor that connects Longview and Kelso to the rest of Western Washington.

According to information shared by Washington State Patrol Trooper Kameron Watts and reported by The Olympian, the eagle was hit sometime between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on the southbound shoulder near Trosper Road. The bird landed on the right shoulder of the highway, prompting a response from state agencies and nearby residents.

Trooper Watts stated that the rescue involved the Washington State Patrol, the Washington State Department of Transportation, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and members of the public who stopped to assist. It was not immediately clear whether the eagle was in flight or on the ground at the moment of impact.

The bird was transported to Raindancer Wild Bird Rescue in Olympia. In a public update, the organization reported the eagle was “feisty, eating, and has no palpable injuries.” The rescue center noted that the bird will be transferred to Twin Harbors Wildlife Center for radiographs and continued medical evaluation.

Wildlife incidents along I‑5 periodically affect traffic and require coordinated responses from state agencies. While the Tumwater collision did not result in reported roadway closures, similar events on the corridor have caused delays in the Longview–Kelso region, where both traffic volume and proximity to rivers and open habitat increase the likelihood of vehicle‑wildlife encounters.

Why this matters

Large raptors, including bald eagles, are regularly spotted along the Columbia River and throughout Cowlitz County. Transportation officials have noted that high-speed corridors such as I‑5 present recurring risks for both wildlife and drivers. Events like Sunday’s collision in Tumwater underscore the importance of coordinated response systems and the role of regional wildlife rehabilitation centers in managing injured protected species.

As of the most recent updates from Raindancer Wild Bird Rescue, the eagle is expected to undergo further diagnostic imaging before a long-term recovery plan is determined.

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