A fox captured a rabbit but quickly lost its prey when an eagle swooped in to try to steal the meal.
The incredible sight was captured on video by Zachary Hartje at American Camp on San Juan Island, Washington.
Hartje told ABC7 that the eagle carried the fox about 10 feet into the air and traveled around 50 feet before it let go of the rabbit. The fox appeared to be unharmed, he said, and added that he wasn’t sure if the eagle snagged the rabbit.
“I was shocked and amazed,” Hartje told ABC. “I have never seen this happen before, and no one else who I talked to there or on the Island has ever seen it happen before.”
Photographer Kevin Ebi also witnessed the “battle in the sky”, and shared a series of dramatic photos of the event in on his blog.
“There is no question that bald eagles are skilled hunters. They can spot a fish from a mile away and fly to it in under a minute,” Ebi explained in a blog post.
“But they’re also masters of something scientists call kleptoparasitism: the art of stealing food from others. In my book The Year of the Eagle, I documented bald eagles stealing food from crows, great blue herons and even other eagles. A couple of days ago, however, I captured an especially dramatic act of thievery. I saw a bald eagle steal a rabbit from a young red fox. Even more impressive: at times, this battle played out more than 20 feet in the air.”
For more nature photography from Ebi, check out his Living Wilderness Facebook page.
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Ok. I didnt see an eagle grab a fox on the run but I do have to brag a bit because I did see a bald eagle sitting atop a power pole yesterday while on our way to see Henry and Laura. What a great relaxing visit we had as always. Laura had just taken fresh home baked bread out of the oven and topped it with homemade strawberry jam and Henry brought in trout fresh out of the smoker. MMMM. MMMM it was delicious. Once again Henry, I want you to know, if you were trying to run us off, that aint the way to do it. Its Always a privilige and honor to spend time with you both. Thanks again for the hospitality. Looking forward to our next visit. Eat your hearts out trenchers. (I mean that in a kind and loving way folks)
Oh man! Laura’s jam………I have had her blackberry ……..had to fight my brother for it! LOL…..glad you all got to visit…..one of these days…………….
It was an excellent visit and always a privilege to spend time with our brothers and sisters From the Trenches.
The bread and jam were delicious, Swifty and Judy caught us at a good time, making goodies for the Memorial Day weekend.
I think the majority of my children and grandchildren are headed this way and Billy is already here. Might even get through it without a rainstorm….not.
And again, thanks Swifty and Judy, for the excellent conversation, the flowers and other goodies.
Henry and Laura
Laura makes killer jam. Have a great weekend you guys.
Thank you, Mark.
-Admin
“I have never seen this happen before, and no one else who I talked to there or on the Island has ever seen it happen before.”
I saw it happen before…. or something similar. I saw a bald eagle carrying off a rabbit and it was pumping away with its wings just to stay aloft. This must have been one strong eagle to make off with a fox and a rabbit at the same time.