Dead Eagle Second Oldest Ever in N. America

SHERIDAN, WYO. (AP) — Wildlife officials say a golden eagle that was apparently electrocuted near Sheridan is the second-oldest that has been identified in North America.

The eagle was found March 19 on Soldier Creek Road. Wyoming wildlife biologist Tim Thomas says the bird appeared to be electrocuted by a power line and had a small metal band attached to its leg.

Thomas says he reported the identifying numbers on the band to a federal laboratory, which reported the bird had been banded as a fledgling in 1983 near Gillette.

The bird's estimated age was 30 years and nine months, tying for second place in the lab's longevity records with a Colorado eagle.

The oldest recorded banded eagle was found in 2012 and was 31 years, seven months old.