Bald eagle rescued near landfill was shot in head

NORTH KINGSTON, R.I. (AP) -- A bald eagle found injured in the area of the state's Central Landfill in Johnston earlier this month had been shot in the head.

The Providence Journal reported a CT scan of the young eagle convalescing at the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island shows the eagle has a pellet in the right side of the brain. Earlier exams showed the bird had been shot in the leg, tail and chest.

Jennifer Brooks, the clinic's director, says veterinarians caring for the eagle, called Eleanor, have given it prednizone to help reduce any swelling in the brain. The eagle also has received treatment for lead poisoning.

Brooks says the eagle's only hope for survival is to be able to feed itself.