A Flagler County Agricultural and Ranch deputy rescued an injured sand hill crane on Friday.
According the report, deputy Steve Williams responded to the call on Grand Reserve Drive in Bunnell after the Flagler County Sheriff's Office received a call regarding a bird with a possible broken leg as a result of being hit by a car.
Once on the scene, deputy Williams located a juvenile sandhill crane in the grass near the road.
As Deputy Williams cautiously approached the bird, the animal folded its wings and laid down in the grass. Deputy Williams said he believed the young bird knew he was there to help, as the bird did not resist him as he picked it up.
Williams placed the bird in a large cage, and contacted Sherriann Wentworth of East Coast Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Port Orange; Wentworth agreed to meet with Williams and return the bird to the ECWRC for medical care and rehabilitation.
“We are fortunate to have Deputy Williams as our Agricultural and Ranch officer along with people like Ms. Wentworth who make themselves available to respond and rescue distressed and injured animals from what often can be a case of certain death,” said Sheriff James Manfre.
Additional information on East Coast Wildlife Rehabilitation Center may be obtained at the Center's website.
Residents may report injured or sick animals to Animal Control Services by calling 386-986-2520.