In September, local Animal Control Officer, Zoe McCurnin, responded to a red-tailed hawk tangled high in netting at Mather Golf Course. With some help from Metro Fire of Sacramento (and a very tall ladder) they were able to safely bring the hawk down and transport him to WCA.
Birds becoming trapped in nets is quite common as birds have trouble recognizing any type of net while flying. Knowing how to respond is what gives these animals a second chance.
Once the hawk arrived at WCA, Director Sandra Foreman carefully removed the remaining netting and assessed him for injuries. He was then medicated and fed. After spending a few days in one of our flight aviaries, we monitored his recovery, strength, and flight to make sure he was ready for release.
After showing us exactly what we needed to see, this hawk was cleared for release and returned to the wild!
Thank you again to Officer McCurnin, Metro Fire of Sacramento, and the community member who first noticed this hawk in trouble. From rescue to rehabilitation to release, it took a whole team to get him back in the sky.
🛟 Watch the rescue!