Red-Tailed Hawk Electrocution: What Rescue Organizations Want You to Know

Each year, countless birds are injured or killed by power lines, with electrocution being a significant threat, especially to large birds of prey like the red-tailed hawk. In the U.S. alone, estimates suggest that millions of birds die annually due to electrocution. These incidents not only impact bird populations but also lead to power outages and increased utility costs. Rescue organizations play a crucial role in helping injured hawks, but they also want to raise awareness about the dangers of power lines and how we can prevent these accidents.

The Grim Reality of Electrocution

Red-tailed hawks, with their impressive wingspans, are particularly vulnerable to electrocution. When a hawk perches on a power pole, it can accidentally create a connection between an energized wire and a grounded part of the pole, resulting in a fatal electrical shock.

The Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC) recommends a horizontal separation of 60 inches (150cm) and a vertical separation of 40 inches (100cm) on power lines in areas where eagles and other large birds of prey are common.

Rescue and Rehabilitation Efforts

Wildlife rescue organizations are on the front lines, responding to calls about injured hawks and other birds of prey. These organizations are dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured wildlife back into their natural habitats.

What to do if you find an injured hawk:

Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator: The most important first step is to contact a local licensed wildlife rehabilitator or rescue organization. They can provide guidance on whether the bird needs immediate assistance.
Observe from a distance: If the bird is not in immediate danger, observe it from a distance. Note any obvious injuries, such as bleeding, a wing hanging at an unnatural angle, or difficulty moving.
Contain the bird (if necessary): If the rehabilitator advises you to capture the bird, approach it carefully. The best way to contain an injured hawk is to gently place a blanket or large cloth over it and then put it in a cardboard box with ventilation holes.
Keep it dark and quiet: Place the box in a dark, quiet place away from pets and people. This will help reduce stress for the injured bird.
Do not give food or water: It’s crucial not to offer food or water, as birds have specific dietary needs, and improper feeding can cause further harm.
Document the scene: If possible, take pictures of the bird, the pole, and any pole identification markers. Record the location as accurately as possible. This information can be valuable in reporting the incident to the authorities and utility companies.

Prevention is Key: What Rescue Organizations Advocate For

Rescue organizations don’t just focus on treating injured birds; they also actively promote preventative measures to reduce the risk of electrocutions. Here’s what they want you to know:

Report dead or injured birds: If you find a dead bird near a power line, report it to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, your state wildlife agency, and the power company. Your report can help identify hazardous areas and prompt preventative action.
Support avian-safe power line design: Advocate for the implementation of “avian-safe” power line designs. These designs incorporate wider spacing between wires and insulated components to prevent birds from accidentally creating an electrical circuit.
Promote retrofitting of existing infrastructure: Encourage utility companies to retrofit existing power lines with bird-friendly modifications, such as installing insulator covers and perch deterrents.
Educate others: Spread awareness about the dangers of power lines to birds and the importance of conservation efforts.

The Legal Framework Protecting Birds of Prey

Red-tailed hawks and other birds of prey are protected by several federal laws, including:

Migratory Bird Treaty Act: This act makes it illegal to “pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, or attempt to pursue, hunt, take, capture, or kill any migratory bird,” including all hawks, owls, falcons, and eagles. Violations can result in significant fines and imprisonment.
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act: This act specifically protects bald eagles and golden eagles, making it illegal to kill or disturb them, their nests, or their eggs.
Endangered Species Act: This act provides additional protection for species listed as threatened or endangered.

Utility Companies and Avian Protection

Many utility companies are taking proactive steps to reduce bird electrocutions. These steps include:

Developing Avian Protection Plans (APPs): APPs outline strategies for reducing avian mortality, including risk assessments, avian-safe construction standards, and employee education.
Conducting avian risk assessments (ARAs): ARAs help identify high-risk power poles and prioritize mitigation efforts.
Implementing avian-safe design standards: This includes increasing the spacing between energized parts, using insulated covers, and installing perch discouragers.
Nest management: Transmission line structures can be attractive to birds for building nests. Utilities try to minimize the risk of electrocution or injury to birds, of damage to electrical equipment, and outages to customers that may result when birds come in contact with power lines and structures. Nest management programs include installing nest boxes or platforms in safe areas on or near structures, where warranted.

The Role of Collaboration

Protecting red-tailed hawks and other birds of prey from electrocution requires a collaborative effort involving rescue organizations, utility companies, government agencies, and the public. By working together, we can create a safer environment for these magnificent creatures and ensure the reliable delivery of power.

What Can You Do?

Be observant and report any injured or deceased birds near power lines.
Support organizations dedicated to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
Advocate for avian-safe power line designs and retrofitting efforts.
Educate your community about the dangers of power lines to birds.

The electrocution of red-tailed hawks is a preventable tragedy. By understanding the risks, supporting rescue efforts, and advocating for preventative measures, we can help protect these birds and ensure they continue to soar through our skies.