Red-Tailed Hawk Recuperates From Car Impact

The following story about a red-tailed hawk was shared with us by the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey.

This red-tailed hawk was admitted to Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge following an impact with a car that left the bird lethargic, shocky, and bruised. She also suffered a large, open wound that went through to her muscle.

Unfortunately, the wound was unable to be sutured closed, so wound care was initiated to allow it to heal through secondary intention. The red-tailed hawk was stabilized with fluids, pain medication, and antibiotics.

Once hydrated, she was gavage-fed with EmerAid IC Carnivore to provide the critical nutrition that she needed in the early days of her recovery and healing until she was able to consume a whole-prey diet.

Once healed, she spent a few weeks rebuilding her stamina and flight ability in reconditioning flight enclosures. Healing wounds by secondary intention can be a lengthy process, so she was more than ready to be home. After approximately three months, this red-tailed hawk was released back to her home territory.