Science
Wildlife Alert: Young Red-Tailed Hawks Arrive Starving This Fall
Wildlife rehabilitators are reporting a seasonal increase in young red tailed hawks needing help this fall, with more than a dozen admitted in the past month for problems ranging from starvation to ve
By Elliot Vaughn · 2026-10-03T15:37:05.380Z
Wildlife rehabilitators are reporting a seasonal increase in young red tailed hawks needing help this fall, with more than a dozen admitted in the past month for problems ranging from starvation to vehicle strikes and West Nile virus.
According to the wildlife rehabilitation center, admissions of young red tailed hawks increase each fall as inexperienced birds face the challenges of surviving on their own.
One recently admitted hawk arrived lethargic and unable to fly. An examination confirmed the young bird was starving, and rehabilitators believe a lack of strength likely left it grounded.
The center said the hawk is receiving supportive care and a critical care feeding formula while its condition improves.
Starvation can be particularly dangerous for young raptors that are still developing the hunting skills needed to consistently find food in the wild. Rehabilitation gives weakened birds an opportunity to regain their strength in a controlled environment.
For this hawk, recovery involves more than simply gaining weight.
Rehabilitators said the bird will eventually need additional preparation before it can return to its natural habitat. That process includes live prey testing, which allows staff to determine whether the hawk can successfully hunt and is prepared to survive independently after release.
The center said more than a dozen young red tailed hawks have required its care during the past month alone. Some have suffered from starvation, while others were admitted following vehicle strikes or because of West Nile virus.
The latest case highlights the challenges young birds of prey can encounter during their first fall and the rehabilitation work required before an injured or weakened raptor can safely return to the wild.