Handling Raptors
How to Handle an Injured Raptor
Please be aware of the following:
Under Federal and State law it is ILLEGAL for anyone to injure or possess a bird of prey.
Only a person fully licensed by both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Colorado Division of Wildlife may rehabilitate injured raptors.
A raptor's feet and talons are its means of defense so BE CAREFUL! !
An injured raptor requires immediate specialized care. Any delay very much reduces the bird's chance for recovery.
Most veterinarians have neither special facilities nor the practical experience to properly handle an injured raptor.
Feeding an injured raptor severely decreases its chance for survival, so please DO NOT FEED !
It is possible to aspirate a bird by forcing it to drink. You may offer it water, but do NOT force it to drink.
Cover Completely Technique
This is a method of rescue that can be adapted to most circumstances.
You will need a towel, blanket, jacket or any other lightweight material that is large enough to cover the entire bird.
Obtain a cardboard box. The box should be well ventilated (cut plenty of air holes) and just large enough to allow the bird some movement, but not so large as to allow the bird to thrash around inside.
Note the location of where the bird was found. (When released, the bird is returned to this location.)
Approach the bird from the rear. If the bird is alert and can follow your movements, anticipate that it will struggle when first covered.
Carefully place the jacket, towel or blanket over the bird. Make sure it is covered completely.
Quickly restrain the bird under the covering.
As the bird calms down, gather the covering together, being careful to get the bird's wings gently folded against the body, and place it into the cardboard box.
NOTE: Extreme care must be used when the bird is transported in this manner. If the day is warm or the covering is made of a tightly woven material, the bird can rapidly overheat. The bird should be transferred to a more suitable enclosure at the first opportunity.
CALL: The Birds of Prey Foundation (303) 460-0674, or a similar facility in your area.
Good luck, and BE CAREFUL!
Updated by Elke on November 28, 2005 11:14 PM
