Free as a bird! Bald eagle gets STUCK inside car's grille after Maryland driver collided with winged animal - before being released into the wild

A bald eagle was left trapped inside a car's grille after being hit by a driver on a Maryland highway.

An encounter with the vehicle in Calvert County, Maryland, last week left a bald eagle in a tricky situation. Disaster struck when the driver accidentally collided with the bird on Route 4. 

The bird - that famously symbolizes freedom - ironically could not break free on its own from the grille of the vehicle that had slammed into it. 

After pulling over to check on the situation, the driver found the eagle still alive with its feathers trapped in the protective nose panel of the vehicle. 

A bald eagle is 'in good health' after being hit by a driver on a Maryland highway and getting stuck in the car's grille

An encounter with a vehicle in Calvert County, Maryland, last week left a bald eagle in a tricky situation 

'When the driver stopped, they realized that the eagle was still alive, but trapped in the vehicle's [grille],' a post on the Calvert County Government Facebook page said. 

The driver called the Calvert County Sheriff's Office for help following the collision. 

An officer with Calvert County Animal Control Officer and deputies with the sheriff's office were able to rescue the bird - which they said is in 'good health.' 

Animal Control officer Hannah Neel was pictured holding the patriotic bird after it was freed. 

'An unexpected call recently had Calvert County Animal Control Officer (ACO) Hannah Neel rush into action to save a bald eagle,' the Facebook post reported.

After the eagle was given an examination and found to be 'in good health,' it was released back into the wild.

'Thanks to ACO [Animal Control Officer] Neel and all who helped rescue this wonderful creature!' the sheriff's office wrote.

Animal Control officer Hannah Neel was pictured holding the patriotic bird after it was freed

Facebook users flooded the comments section with reactions to the incident.

'I was driving in the opposite direction and saw this and couldn’t believe my eyes! So happy to know the eagle (and driver) were okay,' a user commented.

'What a wonderful story. It’s pretty incredible. Thank you ACO Neel,' another said.

A user said 'I would have had an entire breakdown over this. Prayers for the bird and the driver.'

Many Facebook users reported seeing the incident go down. 'Thank you so much for sharing! I saw the car on the side of the road and my heart broke for the eagle and the driver. so glad to hear of a good outcome!!'

'Thank you for saving our national bird! Can you please save our nation now,' one user joked.

Another user praised officer Neel for her work with animal control, 'Officer Neel recently came to my house for a dog/raccoon incident. She was extremely responsive, caring, and diligent. Thanks to all our animal control officers for their great work everyday!'