The bald eagle is a symbol of American pride and strength.

But sometimes even the strong need a helping hand. And that’s exactly what happened to one beautiful bald eagle in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Officers with the Fairbanks Airport Police and Fire Department were alerted by a good Samaritan Sunday that a juvenile bald eagle was in need of help after it was found frozen under snow. 

Authorities said the eagle was found “frozen and unable to fly.” 

The department called the eagle’s release the “BEST ENDING EVER.” Police said they would have liked to keep the bird as their mascot, but they released it so it could “do all the fun raptor things.”

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the bald eagle’s physical condition was fine after warming up inside. 

The bird took flight and showed no signs of struggling. 

In December, President Biden signed a bill officially designating the bald eagle the national bird.

The bald eagle, which has been featured on the Great Seal of the United States since 1782 and has its own holiday and protection act, was never technically assigned the title of “national bird.”