Red-tailed Hawk that Survived Freeway Head-on Collision was Released Back to the Wild
Release of Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk was released back to the wild just weeks after it miraculously survived a head-on collision with a Ford Expedition on Interstate 5 near Canby. The bird was struck with such force that it broke through the vehicle’s grill and became lodged in front of the radiator.
Oregon State Trooper Mike Hanson was called to the driver’s residence and together they dislodged the injured hawk. Trooper Hansen transported the bird to the Audubon Society of Portland’s Wildlife Care Center where it has been rehabilitating since. After a month of hospitalization and rehabilitation the bird was released near where it was hit.
The Portland Audubon Society Wildlife Care Center is Oregon’s oldest and busiest wildlife rehabilitation facility. Each year the center treats over 3,000 injured wild animals. The center is run by the equivalent of three full-time staff and over 75 volunteers and is almost completely donation funded.
Red-tailed Hawk Rescued
The driver who was traveling at freeway speeds at the time of the collision pulled over and discovered the injured bird lodged behind that cars broken grill. Oregon State Police Senior Trooper Mike Hanson responded to the driver's call and met him at the driver's residence in Milwaukie. With the driver's help, Trooper Hanson removed the vehicle's front grille and dislodged the injured hawk.
Senior Trooper Hanson transported the injured hawk to the Audubon Society of Portland's Wildlife Care Center where it was examined and treated by Audubon staff Veterinarian Deb Sheaffer. Preliminary examination is encouraging, but the hawk remains in in intensive care.
This amazing story has received heavy media coverage and is generating tremendous interest. We will post regular updates on our website as her treatment continues.
Questions regarding the hawks condition should be directed to Dr. Deb Sheaffer at (503) 292-0304.
This hawk is one of 3000 injured animals that will be treated at our Wildlife Care Center this year. Our Wildlife Care Center is almost entirely donation funded. If you would like to help us care for this hawk and support the efforts of our wildlife care center, please follow this link:
UPDATES
Friday, March 6th
The Red-tailed Hawk is stable and alert this morning. We have upgraded its condition from critical to stable. Last night it was moved from intensive care into a normal hospital cage, but is still being monitored closely for any signs of internal injury. Initials x-rays show no fractured bone and blood work is pending. The hawk has eaten a small amount on its own and is upright and perching in its cage.
Saturday, March 7th
This morning we were greeted by a very bright Red-tailed Hawk. Blood work results were normal and parasite tests were negative and there is no sign of notable internal injury at this point. The hawk is currently not eating enough on its own and had to be force fed this morning, but was stable enough to move to a bigger cage where it can make small attempts to fly.
Tuesday, March 10th
The Red-tailed hawk is eating well and appears to fly normally in a small flight cage. It will soon be moved to a 100ft x 30ft flight cage to better assess it's ability to fly. At this point prognosis is good and we anticipate a successful release.
Thursday, March 12th
The Red-tailed Hawk was transferred to a large(100’ long) flight cage this morning. It immediately flew quite well from one end to the other. We are hopeful that after several days of flying the hawk will regain strength and be able to be released back to the wild.
Photograph Source of Hawk Release: Marilyn Stennett
Photograph Source of Hawk in the Grill:
