CROW: Ozzie died from bacteria caused by an infected wound

SANIBEL, Fla. – Ozzie, the Southwest Florida bald eagle whose popularity soared well beyond the region, died in September from bacteria caused by an infected wound sustained while fighting another eagle, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) announced on its Facebook page Tuesday.

The wound festered, allowing bacteria to enter Ozzie’s bloodstream, the clinic said.

“Unfortunately, by the time Ozzie presented to CROW, the infection had spread throughout all his major organs and he was unable to overcome the bacteremia despite the use of very powerful intravenous antibiotics, intensive supportive care, and surgery to remove the necrotic tissue,” the organization said.

The cause of death was determined by a necropsy performed at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS), based at the University of Georgia.

Ozzie was found in a North Fort Myers backyard suffering from multiple lacerations and a broken toe in each foot, among other injuries.

Officials believe Ozzie’s injuries were likely from a fight with another bald eagle near the nest that is being tracked on the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam. Some witnesses said he was also entangled in barbed wire.

Veterinarians and Ozzie fans believe he died while fighting for the affection of another eagle, Harriet, who recently laid two eggs.