Dashcam video shows FHP Trooper Julio Velez calmly approaching the eagle, and draping his jacket over the bird as he tried to pick him up.
After a bald eagle was struck on the side of a busy Florida highway, dashcam video captured the sweet moment a kindhearted state trooper went out of his way to rescue the bird of prey.
Read: Llama on the Lam: Animal Gets Coffee, Takes Selfies With Neighbors After Escaping
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the adult male bald eagle hit a car's windshield Wednesday morning.
When FHP Trooper Julio Velez arrived on the scene, he can be seen calmly approaching the bird. Moving slowly, the trooper drapes his jacket over the stunned animal as he tries to pick him up and take him back to his patrol car.
#FHP Trooper Velez rescued an American Bald Eagle on the FL Turnpike! Watch as he brings the little guy to safety. https://t.co/YS8ujeLuBl pic.twitter.com/fOpUqpyBRt
— FLHSMV (@FLHSMV) October 20, 2016
The eagle resisted at first, but eventually gave in as Velez loaded him into the back seat, where he waited as the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey arrived to transport it to their rescue facility.
"While there were no fractures, it does appear there is some internal bleeding," the wildlife sanctuary reported.
Read: The Unbelievable Moment Massive Eagle Tries to Fly Away With a Little Boy
The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey also plans to treat him for conditions unrelated to the accident, including increased lead levels and internal parasites.
Once the bald eagle is back in good health, rescuers anticipate they will release him back into the wild.
Watch: Bald Eagle That Forced Traffic Shutdown After He Was Hit by Car to Make Full Recovery
