21/08/2026
This adult Cooper’s hawk was found on the ground, unable to fly away and suffering from severe neurological symptoms. By the time she arrived to us, she was so weak she could no longer stand. In addition, she had a more dangerous issue, not visible to the naked eye; she was also suffering from rodenticide poisoning. This hawk is one of so many wild birds who unknowingly ate a poisoned rodent.
Our staff worked quickly to provide emergency critical and supportive care and were relieved to see that she made it through the night. Over the next few days, she made tremendous progress; her neurological symptoms improved, and she got stronger day by day. Over the course of a month or so, she continued to recover and regain her strength. We are happy to share that she was recently released!
While we are relieved that we were able to save this hawk, it saddens us to think about all the ones we are unable to save due to this widespread issue of rodenticide use.
Rodenticides don’t just affect targeted rodents. Wildlife such as owls, hawks, coyotes, their babies, and other predators often hunt rodents and can become sick or die after eating prey that has ingested poison. Many of these animals experience internal bleeding, neurological failure, or slow, painful deaths. Even small amounts can build up in the food chain and affect wildlife that help naturally control rodent populations. Using rodenticides can have devastating ripple effects throughout our ecosystems. When a mouse or rat eats poison, it doesn’t die right away. In those hours or days before it succumbs, it becomes easy prey, and that’s where the real damage begins.
Please consider avoiding the use of these lethal chemicals. You can do your part to help stop this issue by avoiding use of these lethal chemicals and by spreading the word!
