You may find a raptor that has flown into a window, been caught by a cat, tangled in fencing, or hit by car. However, raptors on the ground may not be hurt.

BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING, PLEASE CALL ROCKY MOUNTAIN RAPTOR PROGRAM so we can advise you regarding steps to take.

• Business hours, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, call 970-484-7756
• After hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays, call the Raptor Hotline at 970-222-0322

NEVER attempt to handle an injured raptor without using extreme caution and without first consulting with the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program. Raptors can cause severe injuries, even when they are hurt or sick. Proceed at your own risk. If you have found a potentially injured raptor, here are steps you can take.

When To Take Action...

• The bird is obviously injured, a wing is drooping, you see blood, or the bird is lying on the ground, trapped, or caught in something.
• The bird is in obvious danger from a predator or captured by one.
• There are hazards like busy roads or large pools of water nearby.
• The parents have been killed or seriously injured.
• It is young and covered only in white downy feathers
• The bird is cold to the touch

When To Observe…

• Is the raptor eating? If so, it may be reluctant to leave its food. This is normal behavior.
• Is it a young raptor? It may be exploring the environment, but being cared for by their parents. Check to see if the parents are nearby.
• Parents may have encouraged the young birds to find hideaways away from the nest, which reduces the chance that all of the youngsters are taken by a predator. This is normal behavior.
• Young raptors may be learning to fly. Their early flights can get them in trouble. If a young raptor seems healthy, has some adult looking feathers (not ALL downy and white) and the parents are seen nearby, you can try to place it back in the lower branches of a shrub or tree. It is not true that parents will abandon young if they have been touched by humans, although the parents may abandon a nest in an area where there is continual disturbance.
• Not sure? Observe, and then approach carefully. A healthy raptor will usually fly away.

Sometimes, well-meaning people will collect a bird they think is orphaned and remove it, not realizing that the parents are watching. Before removing a bird from its range, observe and watch for parents returning with food.

Remember that a young raptor's best chance of survival is to be raised by its wild parents. Be sure the raptor really needs help before you intervene.

How to handle an injured raptor (WARNING: Handling a raptor can be very dangerous. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK.)

• FOLLOW THE FIRST RULE OF RAPTOR HANDLING – KEEP YOURSELF SAFE! The raptor you are attempting to rescue will not understand that you are trying to help it. When you approach, it will try to protect itself and may attack you.
• APPROACH WITH EXTREME CAUTION! Most injured raptors will use their primary weapon, their strong feet and talons, to protect themselves. And, they can bite.
• Before capture, prepare a box by making ventilation holes in the top and placing a towel, paper towels, newspaper on the bottom The box should be large enough for the bird to stand but small enough to keep it from flapping or flying around.
• You will also need a towel, blanket, sheet, or other lightweight material large enough to cover the bird.
• Use of gloves (such as leather welder’s gloves) in addition to the towel/blanket/sheet is highly recommended.
• Approach the bird from the rear if possible. Carefully place the sheet or blanket over the entire bird. The raptor may try to grab the blanket, sheet or YOU with its feet. AVOID THE FEET by getting a firm grip from behind holding the wings to the bird's body. Keep the talons away from you and others.
• Pick the bird up. Hold the covered bird away from your body, and place it in the prepared box.
• Gently try to remove the covering before closing the box. If the bird is firmly attached to the blanket or sheet, try to expose the bird’s head.
• Place the box in a quiet room away from extreme temperatures and contact RMRP or another licensed wildlife rehabilitator ASAP.
• DO NOT HANDLE OR LOOK AT THE BIRD ANY MORE THAN NECESSARY. IT IS HIGHLY STRESSFUL AND CAN DO THEM FURTHER HARM.
• Do not attempt to feed or force the bird to drink. Each species has specific dietary requirements. You can provide water in a small container.
• If you are transporting the raptor to the rehabilitator remember these things: speak quietly and do not play your car radio. Never transport a raptor held in a person’s lap. Never transport a raptor unboxed or unrestrained. The bird could get loose and cause an accident or injury.

Transporting an injured raptor to RMRP

• For directions to RMRP, click here.
• Call the program with an estimated time of arrival.
• Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm call 970-484-7756.
• After hours, call the Raptor Hotline at 970-222-0322.

Final Notes:

• Injured raptors require immediate specialized care. Any delay reduces the bird’s chance of recovery and release.
• All wild birds are protected by law. State and federal laws prohibit you from having any protected wildlife in your possession, even temporarily, unless you are transporting an injured raptor to receive medical attention.
• Wild animals need professional care when they are sick or injured. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are dedicated to healing sick and injured animals and raising orphaned youngsters with the goal of returning them to their natural home. They are licensed by state and federal agencies.

Rocky Mountain Raptor Program is a licensed raptor rehabilitator.

Common Nighthawk - Not a RaptorNote: Sometimes we get calls from people about nighthawks being on the ground or in danger. These are not raptors and we do not care for them at RMRP. Please call your local humane society. In Larimer County call Wildkind at 970-226-3647x122. In Weld County call 970-506-9550.