A weary young golden eagle, a species rarely seen in Wisconsin, was nursed back to full strength and returned to the wild Friday.

The young bird was spotted feeding on a deer carcass Oct. 22 at the Sheboygan Marsh Park and Wildlife Area. It was surprised by the sudden appearance of the human, Shawn Forrest, who saw it, CNN reported Friday.

"When it jumped and tried to fly, it only went about 20 feet, and then it went down," Forrest said. The bird tried to fly again but couldn't.

Forrest wrapped the bird in his jacket and placed it in a cardboard box. The bird was finally taken to the Pine View Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in northern Ozaukee County.

The bird was examined and X-rayed. There were injuries or fractures but there was a high level of a muscle enzyme, which indicated "extreme exertion or injury to soft tissue," veterinarian Linda Mehoke said.

"Just like a person after running a marathon, you're not moving very well the next day," she said.

During four days of workouts, the bird recovered completely, Lord said.