Bodyless Eagle Rescued

LARDBASKET, CO - Noggin the Eagle, a bald eagle best known for having no body whatsoever, was rescued from the hide of an unidentified cow Thursday.

He had been missing since April 1, when his caretaker, Douglas Fump, had taken him hiking and accidentally dropped him into a ravine. Buckle County Search and Rescue teams began the search for Noggin several hours later, and Saturday were joined by teams from surrounding areas upon news of this tragic loss.

"I was just hiking up Flat Foot Trail, when I heard what sounded like a rabid woodchuck off to my left," recalled Fump. "I spun, and Noggie just fell right off the top of my backsack and into the canyon. I'd never been so scared in all my life. Thank goodness for the dedication of these rescuers for not giving up on Noggie, even when they said he'd probably never survive this long."

Noggin the Eagle is discovered on the back of a cow.

Authorities say that Noggin, whose only body consists of a small hook-shaped appendage, fell into the ravine and landed on the back of a cow. The cow then walked out of the canyon and continued its search for food several miles away.

On Thursday, the cow returned, with Noggin the Eagle still perched upon its back.

"Nobody knows why that darned cow came back to the ravine," said Buckle County Sheriff Dan Dipp. "Maybe she left something behind."

Noggin has been taken to a local eagle-rescue facility, where he will be nurtured back to health, cleaned and polished. He should be released on Monday.

"Thank goodness Noggie's alright," said Fump. "I've had nowhere to hang my coat for almost a week."