Wildlife photographer Doug Gemmell was out on one of his usual shoots in the wild, looking to capture the powerful flight of a bald eagle. As he tracked the majestic bird, he had no idea that the shot he was about to capture would defy his expectations and deliver an astonishing surprise.
Eagle Takes an Unexpected Turn
Gemmell, an experienced wildlife photographer, was familiar with the typical behavior of eagles—majestic birds known for their keen hunting skills. He had set his sights on photographing a juvenile bald eagle in flight when he noticed something unusual.
Instead of heading toward a nearby lake as expected, the eagle veered sharply toward a parking lot. Intrigued by this unusual flight path, Gemmell continued taking photos, unaware of the shocking sight that would soon unfold.
A Slice of Pepperoni Pizza
When reviewing the photos later, Gemmell could hardly believe his eyes. The eagle, perched on a ledge with its talons firmly grasping something unexpected—a slice of pepperoni pizza. The sight of such a majestic bird clutching a human food item was a rare and humorous discovery.
“It’s not something you see every day,” Gemmell remarked, laughing at the irony of the moment.
The photograph not only captured a surprising image but also offered a snapshot of how wildlife has been adapting to human-dominated environments. Urban wildlife, particularly birds of prey like eagles, have increasingly been seen foraging in human spaces for food, with often surprising results.
Eagle with a slice of a pizza. Credit: Doug Gemmell Nature Photography
Whether the eagle had intentionally chosen the pizza or simply picked it up by chance remains unclear, but the image served as a testament to the adaptability of these powerful birds.
Adapting to Human Habitats
The scene captured by Gemmell provides an insightful look at how wildlife is adjusting to life in urban environments. Over time, animals, including eagles, have become more accustomed to the presence of humans and the food sources that come with us. While it’s still rare to see an eagle hunting in a parking lot, this behavior may suggest that these birds are evolving their strategies to survive in cities where traditional hunting grounds are becoming scarce.
A 2021 study from the National Wildlife Federation highlighted that urban wildlife, particularly raptors, is increasingly adapting to urban spaces. Birds of prey like eagles and hawks have been found to scavenge from garbage and discarded food in human-dominated areas. This shift in their diet is an indicator of how animals are evolving their behavior to thrive in modern, human-altered environments.
Credit: Doug Gemmell Nature Photography
The Changing Face of Eagle Hunting Habits
Eagles are known for their strength, keen eyesight, and powerful hunting techniques. These birds typically hunt fish, small mammals, and even carrion, relying on their superior aerial skills. However, the unexpected pizza sighting shows that eagles are becoming more flexible in their food sources. Whether the eagle had spotted the pizza from high above or it was a simple stroke of luck, its decision to engage with human food highlights an important shift in their behavior.
As the world becomes more urbanized, animals are increasingly exposed to human-made environments, which often include abundant food sources that weren’t available in the wild. This behavior of scavenging human food suggests a possible shift in how eagles—and other wildlife—may continue to adapt to the changing landscape.