ELMWOOD, Neb. (AP) — A bald eagle, the soaring symbol of America, is recovering from an injury or ailment that left its head featherless.

Fishermen spotted the bird on the ground south of Syracuse last month. On its head was what looked like a pock-marked scab.

They reported the eagle to a state conservation officer, who took it to Fontenelle Forest’s Raptor Recovery center near Elmwood. The center manager, Betsy Finch, says the injury on the bird’s head has baffled her and other raptor experts. They’re treating it with medicated ointments — so far to no avail.

The center’s goal is to release the eagle back into the wild after the mark disappears and feathers grow back. She says that could be a few months away.