By Cindy Hoffman

Staff Reporter

(March 16, 2023) Patti Adams, owner of Ruff Cuts Pet Salon in Ocean Pines, is no stranger to rescuing animals, even bald eagles.

She once rescued an eagle near Abi’s Diner. And on Feb. 10, she was the one who found the eagle that was rescued on Racetrack Road.

“The eagle was right there near the North Gate entrance to Ocean Pines. It looked a little disheveled,” Adams said. “I stopped traffic for a minute. I told him to get off the road and he did. Then I sat down and talked with him.”

Adams is part Native American. “The bald eagle is our spirit guide. We absolutely worship the bald eagle,” she said.

She sat with the eagle until the police arrived around 1 p.m.

“Here comes Joe Law, he put his lights on and he said, everyone had to go,” Adams said. “He said the eagle was either wounded or sick and that wild animals can be very defensive when they are sick, so I told him to call DNR and he did.”

The eagle was taken to Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, Inc. in Newark, Delaware.

The organization is not releasing any details on the status of the bird since it is under investigation.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is investigating the incident.

“Unfortunately, the eagle was euthenized due to the severity of its injuries,” said Lauren Moses, a public information officer for the Department of Natural Resources.

Anyone who has information about the eagle should contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 443-433-4112 or by email at mwc.dnr@maryland.gov. Callers can remain anonymous.