American bald eagle struck on Route 17 aided by truck driver, police say

An alert truck driver has helped save the life of an American bald eagle on an upstate New York highway.

Mario Giorbano was driving along Route 17 in Sullivan County on Tuesday morning when he spotted the eagle sitting in a roadside ditch.

State police say Giorbano stopped his truck and attempted to assist the bird, which at first appeared stuck in some mud. When he realized the bird was injured, Giorbano called 911 and alerted state police.

Troopers stayed with the bird until a licensed wildlife rehabilitator arrived at the scene. The eagle was placed in a dog crate and taken for X-rays and possible treatment.

Authorities believe the eagle may have been feeding on the carcass of a dead raccoon when it was struck by a vehicle.