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Raptor✓ Protected species

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

✓What to do NOW

  1. 1DO NOT approach without adequate protection — the talons of an adult golden eagle can cause serious injury
  2. 2Call the Carabinieri Forestali IMMEDIATELY (1515) and the nearest CRAS
  3. 3If urgent containment is needed: throw a heavy blanket over the animal from behind, never from the front
  4. 4Two people: one restrains the wings with the blanket, the other grasps the feet with sturdy cut-resistant gloves
  5. 5Large, sturdy transport crate — adult eagles can weigh 5–7 kg
  6. 6Document: location, any pylons or cables nearby

✗NEVER do this

  • ✗Do not approach from the front — it attacks with its talons, not its beak
  • ✗Do not attempt alone if inexperienced
  • ✗Do not keep in any container without CRAS support

⚠ Important note

The golden eagle is one of the largest raptors in Italy. The main causes of death are: electrocution on power lines (the leading cause), lead poisoning from prey, and collisions with wind turbines. The white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) is recolonising the Alps — every sighting or find must be communicated to the Carabinieri Forestali for national monitoring.

⚖ Legal protection

Protected by the Birds Directive (Annex I) and Law 157/1992. Any disturbance of nests is a serious criminal offence.

Also known as

eaglewhite-tailed eagleospreyshort-toed eagleBonelli's eaglebooted eagle

Did you find a golden eagle right now?

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