If an eagle catches a fish too heavy to carry, it will swim to shore by paddling with its wings.

Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) possess specialized talons with a locking mechanism that helps them grip slippery prey. When an eagle strikes a fish that exceeds its lifting capacity—typically more than 4 or 5 pounds—the bird may become 'anchored' to the water. Because their feathers are not waterproof, they can quickly become waterlogged, making it impossible to take off from the surface.To survive, the eagle uses a unique swimming motion similar to a human butterfly stroke. Ornithologists from institutions like the National Eagle Center have documented this behavior, noting that eagles are surprisingly strong swimmers. They use their massive wingspan, which can reach up to 7.5 feet, to create powerful thrust against the water. This allows them to drag prey that weighs nearly as much as they do back to the safety of the shoreline.While it was once believed that eagles could not release their talons due to a reflex, modern research suggests they often choose to hold on to avoid losing a valuable meal. However, if the fish is large enough to pull the eagle underwater, the bird faces a high risk of hypothermia or drowning. This rowing behavior is a critical survival adaptation seen frequently in coastal regions of Alaska and British Columbia where salmon are abundant.