Red-tailed hawks are common raptors found throughout much of North America. They are easily identified by their distinctive red tail feathers. As their natural habitat has declined, these hawks have adapted to live around humans in suburbs, cities, and on farms. While their adaptability is remarkable, it sometimes brings red-tails into conflict with people. This leads to the question: Can you relocate a problem red-tailed hawk?
Quick Answers
– Relocating red-tailed hawks is highly regulated under federal and state laws.
– In most cases, a permit is required from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to trap and relocate a red-tailed hawk.
– Relocation is generally only approved if the hawk is causing a significant threat to human safety.
– Relocated hawks have low survival rates in new territories.
– Removing attractants, blocking access to nest sites, and harassment are preferred over relocation.
– Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators or falconers should handle relocation.
Why Would You Need to Relocate a Red-Tailed Hawk?
There are a few scenarios where relocating a red-tailed hawk may be requested or necessary:
- The hawk is nesting in an unsafe or inappropriate spot, like on a balcony, window ledge, or entryway of a home or business.
- The hawk is exhibiting aggressive behavior towards people.
- The hawk is causing damage to property by nesting, roosting, or feeding.
- The hawk is injured or orphaned and requires rehabilitation in a new area.
- Development or habitat destruction necessitates moving the hawk.
While these issues sound concerning, relocation can be an extreme measure that often does more harm than good.
The Rules and Regulations Around Relocating Red-Tailed Hawks
In the United States, red-tailed hawks are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and additionally by state wildlife regulations. This makes capturing, handling, or relocating red-tailed hawks illegal without proper permitting.
To legally relocate a red-tail, you must possess:
- A Federal Migratory Bird Depredation Permit from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
- A State Permit from your state’s department of natural resources or wildlife agency
- In some states, a Scientific Collector’s Permit may also be required
These permits allow temporary possession of a red-tailed hawk for relocation but come with strict reporting and disposition requirements. Permitting rules for migratory birds can be complex, so it’s advisable to confer with local wildlife officials before any action is taken.
When Relocation May Be Permitted
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and state agencies rarely approve relocation of red-tailed hawks. They will only consider permitting if:
- There is a demonstrable, immediate threat to human health and safety
- All practicable non-lethal solutions have been tried unsuccessfully
- The situation is not intentionally or unintentionally man-made
- There is assurance the hawk will be safely relocated to suitable habitat
An example would be a hawk persistently attacking residents in a neighborhood where trapping and removing attractants have failed. Even approved relocations require detailed application procedures and reporting.
Survival Rates After Relocation Are Low
Studies of relocated raptors, including red-tailed hawks, indicate high mortality rates and difficulty adapting to new territories. One study found:
- Only 40-60% of relocated red-tailed hawks survive the first year after relocation
- Survival rates two and three years after relocation were 10% and 3% respectively
- Most deaths occurred within 90 days of release to the new area
Low survival is linked to the risks of capture, inappropriate release habitat, and difficulty competing with other hawks. Given the high probability of harm, relocation should only be a last resort after all other options are exhausted.
Preferred Alternatives to Relocation
Except in extreme public safety cases, wildlife officials prefer alternative humane solutions that keep red-tailed hawks in place, such as:
- Removing attractants – Limit food sources like rodents and small pets. Secure trash in hawk-proof containers.
- Blocking nest access – Install deterrents like wire mesh, spikes, or slope modification.
- Harassment – Scare tactics using loud noises, water spray, predator decoys.
- Nest disruption – Under permit, remove nests before eggs are laid.
- Modify human behavior – Avoid approaching or feeding hawks. Keep small pets indoors.
These measures encourage hawks to move on naturally without the stress and risks of trapping and relocation. They require diligence and patience but benefit both people and wildlife in the long run.
How Red-Tailed Hawk Relocation Is Done
If permitted, relocating a red-tailed hawk must be done properly to mitigate stress on the hawk and increase odds of survival. Here are key considerations for the relocation process:
- Use thick leather gloves when handling hawks to avoid injury from talons.
- Approach carefully with nets or traps so the hawk does not flee and become difficult to capture.
- Cover the hawk’s head with a hood to reduce stress once captured.
- Transport the hawk in a secure ventilated container; cardboard boxes work well.
- Keep handling time as brief as possible and do not feed the hawk.
- Exam, tag, and record the hawk’s condition for reporting requirements.
- Select release sites with adequate natural prey base away from other hawk territories.
- Use a hack box or other temporary enclosure to help the hawk adapt to the new area before full release.
Proper training on raptor handling is crucial to protect both the handler and the hawk. Only experienced wildlife rehabilitators, falconers, or biologists should attempt to trap or move red-tailed hawks.
Conclusions
Relocating problem red-tailed hawks is a complex issue. While it may seem like the solution, relocation can seriously harm or kill hawks. Permits are required, but rarely granted except in extreme cases of public health and safety. Even then, survival rates in new territories are low for these territorial hawks.
In most cases, regulation officials advocate trying multiple non-lethal deterrents first to repel hawks humanely. Altering the environment to remove attractants and block access to nest sites can convince hawks to move on their own with much higher success. Understanding the ecological role of raptors and our responsibility to be tolerant of wildlife is key to finding tolerant solutions.
If a dangerous issue with a red-tailed hawk arises,consulting with wildlife experts about options is strongly recommended before taking any action. With good information and patience, hawks and people can find ways to safely coexist together.