Golden eagle flies into semi truck

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SUMMIT COUNTY -- A semi truck driver got the surprise of his life Tuesday morning when a Golden Eagle flew into the path of his semi.

"The driver stated that there was a golden eagle on the side of the freeway," said Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Cameron Roden. "It came off the side of the road and ended up going right through the driver's side windshield and ended up in the driver's lap." [CLICK HERE to listen to truck driver's 911 call]

It happened on westbound I-80 in Summit County's Echo Canyon. Roden says the driver and a partner used a blanket to capture the injured bird, which was turned over to the Division of Wildlife resources for possible rehabilitation.

Roden says he's aware of only two other times a vehicle has struck an eagle.

Roden says the driver did a good job controlling the semi, given the circumstances.

The Division of Wildlife Resources says the bird is doing remarkably well considering the fact it went through a windshield. It is now at a rehabilitation center in Ogden.

E-mail: mgiauque@ksl.com