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Juvenile eagles release delayed due to warm start to MN winter
The University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center is currently waiting to release 11 eagles until more waterways freeze over.
MINNESOTA, USA — The bitter cold couldn’t come soon enough for The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota.
Eleven young bald eagles have been in the center’s care for months. They should have been released weeks ago to learn how to hunt and survive from wild eagles that spend winters in Minnesota, but our warmer-than-average winter is pushing those plans back.
“They can get pretty darn feisty when they’re feeling good, which thankfully all 11 are,” said The Raptor Center Executive Director Dr. Victoria Hall. “They’re all pretty darn close and we’re really just waiting on the weather.”
Dr. Hall says that the juveniles have to be reintroduced to large groups of fellow eagles that gather at the select few areas of the Mississippi River that stay open throughout winter.
But with so much water that isn’t frozen yet, the wild birds are more dispersed – instead fishing all across the state, making that connection nearly impossible.
“We like to release these youngsters into groups of at least 50 eagles,” said Dr. Hall. “They can further refine and hone their abilities to hunt or to scavenge by watching other eagles. So the adult, wild eagles are having lots of places to pick from to hunt, it’s just this specific group of these juveniles that this weather is causing some changes for.”
Last year, The Raptor Center cared for 170 injured eagles. Some are now part of the school, living there as an ambassador for the program.
“A lot of these injuries can be human-caused like hit by cars or running into windows, but oftentimes these birds are just found on the ground not doing well and people know who to call,” said Dr. Hall.
The birds ready to be released may not graduate from “Eagle University” just yet, but Dr. Hall is certain the delay won’t impact their development.
“We’re very confident these birds will have a fantastic second chance at life,” said Dr. Hall.
For a look at some of the birds and a further explanation of how the wacky winter weather is disrupting the eagle’s plans, click here.
The Raptor Center’s budget and clinic work is also funded nearly entirely by community donations. If you’d like to help, click here for more information.
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The suspect was 17 at the time of the shooting, but he was charged as an adult.
A St. Paul man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, more than two years after a drive-by shooting left a 17-year-old dead.
Casimir Semlak, of St. Paul, was charged with shooting 17-year-old Anthony Skelley in May 2022 during an apparent drug deal in South St. Paul. Police say a search of Skelley’s cell phone uncovered that the last number he was in communication with was linked to the suspect.
Semlak was also 17 at the time but was charged in the adult court system.
Following his death, family members told KARE 11 in a statement that Skelley was a junior attending St. Paul Public Schools’ Gateway to College program, and had “a beautiful soul with a cheerful presence and a joyful spirit.”
Semlak will be sentenced in January 2025.
The Moorhead Police Department said Paige Reinke was last seen Sunday wearing a blue sweatshirt and gray sweatpants.
MOORHEAD, Minn. — Officials are asking for the public’s help locating a 17-year-old Moorhead girl that is believed to be endangered.
According to the Moorhead Police Department, Paige Reinke was last seen Sunday near the 2600 block of River Drive North wearing a blue sweatshirt and gray sweatpants. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) describes her as 5-foot-4, 155 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Moorhead Police Department at 701-451-7660.
“The Power of a Transformed Woman” is Twyla Martin’s raw, unapologetic story about strength, transformation and rising above trauma.
ST PAUL, Minn. — A Minnesota author and motivational speaker has written a new book and is holding a panel discussion.
“The Power of a Transformed Woman” is Twyla Martin’s raw, unapologetic story about strength, transformation, and rising above trauma.
On Friday, Nov. 1, Martin will speak with a panel at CSPS Hall in St. Paul about her book release.
- Twyla Martin – Author
- Nekima Levy Armstrong – Civil rights attorney, activities, and community organizer
- Chantel Sings – Powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and performer
- Ashley DuBose – Singer, songwriter
- Jamela Pettiford – Vocalist and actress
- Lissa Jones – Speaker, advocate for African American history and culture
- Robin Hickman-Winfield – Producer, filmmaker, and CEO of SoulTouch Productions
- Alana Carrington – Creative professional with expertise in the arts, education, and community development
