How to Protect Your Dog from Hawks and Other Birds of Prey Tips on avoiding confrontations with coyotes. What To Do if You See Coyotes While Walking Your Dog Other raptors to be wary of include the Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa), Barred Owl (Strix varia), Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii), and Sharp-Shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus). They thrive in deserts, tundra, grasslands, forests, marshes, and suburban areas around the country. The species is widespread throughout the continental United States and most of Canada, mostly because they’re so adaptable. Red-Tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) are also notorious for their swift hunting skills. Beautiful and prized by falconers, these magnificent birds mate for life and will aggressively protect their territory. They prefer old-growth forests and generally build their nests in large trees by clearings, within a short distance to a lake or river. They are found throughout the Northern states, Canada, and Alaska, and in the lower states occasionally. The next most common threat to dogs is the Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). They’re usually nocturnal hunters, but can be active during the day in winter. Large and aggressive birds, they are masters of camouflage and are nearly silent when they fly. These birds are common in cities and suburban areas, and are the most familiar owl in the world. The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is responsible for the highest number of attacks on dogs. These birds are the most reoccurring offenders: It’s not just hawks you should look out for. Fiercely protective of their nests, these formidable birds are also known to attack larger animals, and even humans on occasion. Hawks and their cousins are opportunistic animals, so dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, ferrets, guinea pigs, ducks, rabbits, and chickens are all at stake. On the other hand, any dog under 20 pounds is at serious risk of being hunted by birds whose natural prey generally includes rodents, birds, rabbits, snakes, and insects. Though the instances of them being killed are uncommon, it happens often enough to make precautions worthwhile. But it was too late.ĭogs weighing as much as 60 pounds are on record for raptor attacks. He wanted to kill the bird, but raptors (another word for birds of prey) are federally protected, so he could only chase it away. Grace ran out of his house and into his backyard to find a large hawk attacking his 10-pound dog. One night, in Beech Island, South Carolina, William Grace was awakened from his nap by the terrifying scream of his 10-year-old Pomeranian, Tee. The dog’s leash was pulled from Dave’s hand, and he watched helplessly as the owl carried Sushi toward some trees before dropping her to her death. Then, from the corner of his eye, Dave saw a shape streaking toward them, and before he could react, Sushi let out a scream as a Great Horned Owl grabbed and lifted her into the air. Chit-chatting as close friends do, they were lost in conversation, making for an enjoyable evening. One late summer evening, Dave, his wife, their eight-pound Pomeranian Sushi, and another couple took a walk in the woods. My friend Dave lives in an upscale neighborhood nestled amongst a dense stand of mature Ponderosa pine trees. ![]() ![]() Actually, it’s fairly common for dogs to be attacked by hawks and the like, which is why you should know how to keep your pup out of their talons and safely on the ground. Hawks, owls, and other birds of prey don’t know the difference between a dog and say, a rabbit or a rat - to them, they’re all on the menu. See our privacy statement to find out how we collect and use your data, to contact us with privacy questions or to exercise your personal data rights.
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