Red-shouldered Hawks are a raptor commonly found in forests and wooded areas across North America, especially in the eastern United States. Recognizable by their reddish-brown, barred breast and distinctive black-and-white checkered wings, these hawks are skilled hunters. They often soar through the air searching for small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. This species is often heard before it is seen, as they have a very distinct loud “kee-ah” call. Although these are predatory animals, these hawks are often admitted due to human impact.
Rodenticide is a toxic chemical used to kill rodents. However, all wildlife becomes affected when rodenticides are used. Birds of prey, such as the Red-shouldered Hawk, are particularly vulnerable when they consume poisoned rodents. Rodents that have been poisoned will become slow when they begin declining, appearing as an easy meal to predators. The poison works its way up the food chain impacting other animals, including pets. The chemicals used in some rodenticides disrupt blood clotting, leading to internal bleeding, neurological damage, and organ failure in non-target species. Symptoms in affected wildlife may include weakness, difficulty perching, lack of coordination, neurological impairment, and lethargy.
On October 15, 2024, CROW admitted this Red-shouldered Hawk (24-4247) after it was found weak and lethargic in a backyard. The initial examination revealed the hawk was severely dehydrated, thin, and had no blink reflex (known as absent palpebral reflex). The patient’s eyes appeared swollen and shut. The hawk was nearly unresponsive and diagnosed with severe neurological symptoms likely caused by rodenticide poisoning.
Students and staff began providing fluids to combat dehydration and flush the toxins out of their system. An eye lubrication was administered to protect the corneas from damage due to lack of blinking. Over the following days, the hawk became more bright and alert, showing signs of improvement, but still required force-feeding and fluid therapy. Staff plan to continue the eye lubrication and fluids until they show true signs of improvement from the rodenticide.
This case reminds us that rodenticides don’t just affect rodents—they impact predators and scavengers that play vital roles in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. By finding alternative, non-toxic pest control methods, we can help protect wildlife like the Red-shouldered Hawk from unintended harm. To help manage rodent populations, safer alternatives include sealing entry points and creating bird boxes to allow nature to do the work!
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