On August 11, the SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center rescued a unique hawk: a 14-year-old leucistic red-tailed hawk.
The hawk was found on the ground in San Benito County. Since San Benito County does not have its own wildlife center, SPCA Monterey County takes in and rehabilitates injured and orphaned wild animals found in that county.
The rescued hawk was thin, unable to stand, and suffering from parasites and a large bruise on his chest. SPCA Wildlife Center technicians provided pain medications, fluids, supplemental heat, and supportive care to get him back on his feet.
What makes him unique is his coloring. Leucism causes partial loss of all types of pigmentation, leading to white coloration on his feathering. Unlike albinism, leucism does not affect the pigment cells in the eyes. He is also on the older side, as red-tailed hawks have a lifespan of up to 20 years.
We know his exact age as he arrived with a band on his leg, showing us that he hatched in 2009. He was banded by a research biologist in October 2009 in Seal Beach, California.
After 11 days of specialized care, the hawk recovered and was able to fly and hunt on his own. Yesterday he was released back into the wild where he was found. Release video is available in the link above.
The SPCA Wildlife Center is the only full-service wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in Monterey County, rescuing over 2,500 injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals every year. Right now, we are caring for 90 animals, including a golden eagle, a great horned owl, gulls, a cormorant, songbirds, swallows, raccoons, a coyote, opossums, king snakes, and more.
You can help:
Purchase gifts on Amazon at SPCAmc.org/baby-shower
Give at SPCAmc.org/donate
If you see injured or orphaned wild animals in need, please call us at 831-264-5427 or visit www.spcamc.org to learn how to help.
Everything we do for rescued wild animals is only made possible by your compassionate support.
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 do not receive funding from any federal, state or local government agency. Each year, The SPCA Wildlife Center admits over 2,500 animals for treatment and care.
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.
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