Residents in Kent are on high alert as a bald eagle named Helga is on the loose, sparking fear among small pet owners that their beloved animals could become prey. The 17-year-old bird with a 7-ft wingspan went missing during a show at Groombridge Place, near Royal Tunbridge Wells, on Tuesday, leaving many locals concerned about the safety of their pets.
Eddie Hare, who owns Helga along with his wife Veronica and runs the site’s Raptor Centre, issued a warning for the public not to approach or feed the large bird. The escape of the bald eagle reportedly caused panic among some pet owners in the area, leading them to take precautions such as covering up fish ponds and bringing smaller animals indoors.
Stewart Carr, a resident in the area, expressed his concerns by stating, “I’ll be keeping my cats and rabbits indoors for the time being – if there is a hungry bald eagle out there I don’t want them to become its prey.” Similarly, Emily Bingham added, “A bald eagle will see my koi carp from miles up and they wouldn’t stand much chance against her if she suddenly swoops down.”
Despite the fears circulating among the community, Eddie Hare tried to reassure pet owners by explaining that bald eagles primarily eat fish but are opportunistic feeders. He mentioned, “They will eat anything that’s going – they will eat worms if they have to.” Grahame Madge from the RSPB supported this by stating that bald eagles typically head for wetlands, rivers, and streams to find fish to feed on, and there is an abundance of food in the countryside for them to survive on.
While the presence of a bald eagle on the loose may be alarming to some, experts suggest that there is no need for excessive worry. With their natural habitat being wetlands and rivers, bald eagles are likely to find ample food sources in the wild without resorting to targeting small pets. As the search for Helga continues, residents are advised to remain cautious but not overly alarmed by the situation.
In conclusion, the escape of Helga the bald eagle in Kent has raised concerns among small pet owners in the area. While precautions are being taken to protect pets, experts reassure the public that the bird is unlikely to target domestic animals as prey. As the search for Helga continues, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings to the appropriate authorities.
