The red-tailed hawk locals knew as Feral, first rescued after a showdown with a colony of cats in a Phoenix neighborhood, has died after what rescuers believe was an electrocution from a power line. The bird had been recovering at Wild At Heart Raptor Rescue north of Phoenix when medics discovered severe wing damage and necrosis, including a severed flight tendon. With no chance she would ever fly again, staff made the call to humanely euthanize the hawk.
According to WBUR, rescuers first met Feral in early December after a neighbor spotted her cornered by feral cats and called for help. She was transported to Wild At Heart in Cave Creek, where veterinarians monitored her closely and, for a while, saw signs that recovery might be possible. Over time, though, it became clear the damage was far worse than it initially appeared.
Why Raptors Are Vulnerable To Power Lines
Large raptors like red-tailed hawks can be fatally shocked when an outstretched wing or talons connect energized parts of a power pole and complete a circuit. A systematic review in PLoS ONE estimated that roughly 0.9 million to 11.6 million birds in the United States are electrocuted at distribution lines each year, making power infrastructure a major contributor to human-caused bird deaths. Biologists say relatively simple fixes such as plastic bird guards, insulated equipment and alternative perching platforms can significantly cut those risks.
Rescue Staff Made A Difficult Call
In the days leading up to her death, Wild At Heart staff told WBUR that muscle tissue on Feral’s injured wing had begun to show necrosis, and tests confirmed her flight tendon had been severed. That left veterinarians with no realistic option other than humane euthanasia. Operations manager Eric Murray said, "Her feisty attitude was not great for life in captivity," noting that the hawk clearly preferred the sky to a cage. The organization described the decision as heartbreaking but necessary, given that her injuries ruled out any chance of survival in the wild.
Utility Response And Local Rescue Resources
Arizona Public Service and APS biologists say utilities are working to cut down on avian electrocutions and plan to install bird guards and safer perching options on lines in the area, according to reporting by WUSF. Wild At Heart lists its Cave Creek facility and a 24-hour hotline at 480-595-5047 for anyone who encounters an injured raptor, and notes that its work depends heavily on donations and volunteers. The group urges the public to call trained rehabilitators instead of trying to handle wounded birds themselves.
