This past week the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Field Services team responded to a home in Somerville, MA, where an injured red-tailed hawk had sought refuge after being unable to fly.

The concerned homeowner stated the hawk had been in the backyard for approximately 36 hours and had made several attempts to take flight, but was unsuccessful.

Equipped with a net and blanket, an ARL Field Services agent assessed the situation.

He then approached the hawk slowly and calmly, and despite the bird being alert, he stayed still as the agent gently wrapped a blanket around him, then placed the hawk into a portable carrier for transport.

The hawk was transported to Tufts Wildlife Clinic in Grafton, MA for medical care.

Below is a statement provided by Tufts Wildlife Clinic regarding the hawk’s condition:

The red-tailed hawk was brought to Tufts Wildlife Clinic at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University on Friday, January 10, from Somerville, MA, by the Animal Rescue League of Boston. At intake, the hawk was pale and had bruising on its right wing, as well as dried blood on its right foot, but no fractures were found. The hawk received oxygen upon arrival, as well as fluids. Further examination and testing revealed a low red blood cell count and impaired blood clotting, which together with the other symptoms was consistent with anticoagulant rodenticide toxicosis. Veterinarians are administering vitamin K, which is the antidote to intoxication with this type of rodent poison. The hawk is more alert and beginning to eat on its own, but it will require additional monitoring and medical care given the severity and unpredictability of this diagnosis.

ARL Field Services

ARL Field Services provides technical and non-technical rescue operations for injured or lost domestic animals, livestock, and raptors (turkey vultures, osprey, hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls).

ARL Field Services also assists governmental agencies with equipment and training; and plays an essential role in assisting ARL Law Enforcement in cases of animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse.

If you need assistance, call (617) 426-9170 to reach ARL Field Services dispatch, which operates from 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM Tuesday-Saturday.