A Giant Eagle Named Kodiak Is on the Loose in Pittsburgh

The public is being asked not to approach or attempt to capture the bird, as “he is more likely to fly away from anyone unfamiliar to him,” according to the National Aviary. He’s considered to be in excellent health and a trooper when it comes to dealing with various weather conditions. As the aviary pointed out in a tweet, “eagles are very resilient birds and in the wild they do not eat every day.”

That said, Steller’s sea eagles, a species native to coastal northeastern Asia, primarily feed on fish and water birds. Kody has been fed by humans for his entire life, so it’s an open question as to whether he’s actually capable of hunting for himself.

On Saturday morning, a thick wire used to enclose the eagle “had a gap in one area that was not there before,” explained the National Aviary in a tweet, adding that “this is extremely unusual.” An investigation has been launched, but aviary officials worry that the details of what happened will never be known. Kody’s habitat, “like all habitats at the National Aviary, is carefully designed with the safety and comfort of our birds as our highest priority,” according to a tweet.

On a positive note, Kodiak is easy to spot, with dark brown and white wings, a large yellow beak, and a 6-foot wingspan. Stellar’s sea eagles are larger than bald eagles and are among the largest living raptors.

The National Aviary, which hosts more than 500 birds from roughly 150 different species, has been closed while the team focuses on the rescue mission. Again, please call the aviary at 412-323-7235 should you spot the bird.

More: Giant Tortoise Apprehended 140 Meters From Zoo Two Weeks After Daring Escape.