SPCA Monterey County Rescuing Dozens of Red-Tailed Hawks

Since December 1st, SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center has rescued 38 emaciated red-tailed hawks. The hawks are mostly young males, close to one year old. They are found throughout Monterey County from San Ardo to Carmel, as well as in San Benito County which does not have a wildlife rescue center. The young hawks are found on the ground, emaciated and unable to fly. We do not know if this is due to a food shortage or poor hunting skills for birds spending their first winter on their own. By the time the birds are so emaciated that they cannot fly or evade capture, this is a critical emergency situation. They are rushed to our wildlife hospital, but sadly most are too weak to survive the night. All the rescued hawks are given a full examination and rehydrating fluids, and are slowly introduced to a liquid diet. If needed, our skilled wildlife rescue technicians also provide supplemental heat and medications. Many of the young hawks are placed on a 'donut', a rolled up towel that props the bird up if he is unable to stand while he regains his strength. How You Can Help: If you see a hawk acting strangely or appearing unable to fly, or any other injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife in Monterey County, please call 831-264-5427. Every year, the SPCA Wildlife Center rescues over 2,500 injured or orphaned wild animals. This work only is made possible thanks to your compassionate donations. To help, please visit www.SPCAmc.org/donate. The SPCA Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is the only full service wildlife rehabilitation center serving Monterey County. We operate under permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Your support is extremely important to us, as we are not a chapter or any other agency and we do not have a parent organization. Everything we do is made possible by you. SPCA Monterey County is your nonprofit, independent, donor-supported humane society that has been serving the animals and people of Monterey County since 1905. The SPCA is not a chapter of any other agency and does not have a parent organization. They shelter homeless, neglected and abused pets and livestock, and provide humane education and countless other services to the community. They are the local agency you call to investigate animal cruelty, rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife, and aid domestic animals in distress. Online: www.SPCAmc.org Facebook: /SPCAmc Instagram: @SPCAmc Twitter: @SPCAmc