Red-Tailed Hawk Injured And Emaciated

red-tailed hawk standing in grass — This is a representative red-tailed hawk, not the one from this article. *edbo23/Pixabay*

The following story about a red-tailed hawk was shared with us by Gold Country Wildlife Rescue in California.

This red-tailed hawk came into Gold Country Wildlife Rescue on March 8, 2024, from Auburn, California. Upon examination, our technicians found that one of the hawk’s eyes was extremely cloudy. He was also emaciated and likely suffering from a pelvic injury, as he was unable to stand. He weighed 646 grams (about 1.4 pounds) on intake.

Following our emaciation protocol, we started tube-feeding at 2% EmerAid IC Carnivore and working our way up to 5% daily. He slowly began gaining weight and was able to stand and perch.

It was determined that the cloudiness was due to an ulcer, which we also began treating with medication.

After about three months in our care, this hawk was ready for his return to the wild. He was released on June 2, 2024, weighing in at 1,250 grams (about 2.7 pounds)!