Quick Answers
Birds of prey like hawks, eagles, and owls can potentially attack and kill small pets like cats and small dogs under 20 pounds. However, attacks are very rare. Larger dogs are generally safe from birds of prey. Some things that may attract birds of prey include outdoor pet food, small pets like rabbits in outdoor hutches, and pet dogs and cats left unattended in backyards. To protect pets, supervise them outdoors, bring pet food inside after feedings, and install deterrents like scare tape near hutches. Most birds of prey will avoid confrontation with large pets and humans.
Which Birds of Prey Pose a Threat to Pets?
The main birds of prey that can potentially attack domestic pets in the United States and Canada include:
– Red-Tailed Hawks: These large hawks are among the most widely distributed birds of prey in North America. They mostly prey on small mammals but can attack very small pets.
– Cooper’s Hawks: A crow-sized hawk that frequently visits backyards in urban and suburban areas looking for bird feeders to raid. They could prey on very small dogs and cats.
– Great Horned Owls: A powerful nocturnal owl that can take down skunks and cats. They very rarely attack pets.
– Golden Eagles: Mostly found in western North America in open country. They could potentially threaten small pets, especially in rural areas.
– Bald Eagles: Bald eagles are opportunistic and may attempt to take small outdoor pets if given the chance, especially along coasts.
While these large bird species could potentially threaten pets, attacks are extremely rare and unlikely in most circumstances.
What Pets are at Risk of Bird of Prey Attacks?
Very small pets under 20 pounds are at the greatest risk of attack by predatory birds such as hawks, eagles and owls. Specific pets most at risk include:
– Small dog breeds like Chihuahuas, toy poodles, miniature pinschers
– Tiny pet dogs under 10 pounds
– Kittens and small cats (under 10 lbs)
– Small rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, hamsters, gerbils when in outdoor hutches
– Chickens and other backyard poultry
– Pet birds in outdoor aviaries
Larger dogs over 20 pounds and adult cats are generally safe from predatory birds. Only the largest owl species like great horned owls pose any risk to standard-sized house cats. Medium and large dogs like labradors, retrievers, collies, and shepherds are almost never targeted by hawks, eagles or owls. Still, very small risks may exist in rare circumstances.
When are Pets at Greatest Risk of Bird Attacks?
The likelihood of a bird of prey attack increases under these higher risk circumstances:
– Pets are left unattended in a backyard for extended periods. Birds may see an opportunity to swoop in. Always supervise pets outdoors.
– Birds visit a backyard frequently and appear to observe pets through multiple visits. They may be casing the pets.
– Small pets are housed 24/7 in outdoor hutches, aviaries or runs. Predatory birds may see them as prey vs family pets. Bring them inside when possible.
– Outdoor pet food and water bowls attract wild birds and rodents. This can in turn attract hawks, owls and eagles looking for easy prey. Remove food bowls after meals.
– Small pets escape or wander away from home and into areas frequented by predatory birds. Always have tags and restraints.
– Predatory bird nests and perches are very close to areas used by pets. Being exposed frequently can increase risk over time.
– Pets are in unfamiliar rural areas near large open fields and areas frequented by hawks, eagles.
With precautions, the risk of bird attacks on properly supervised indoor/outdoor pets in urban and suburban areas remains very low in most cases.
What Do Birds of Prey Usually Eat?
The main dietary sources for hawks, eagles, and owl include:
Bird of Prey | Typical Diet |
---|---|
Red-Tailed Hawk | Squirrels, rats, mice, rabbits, snakes, amphibians |
Cooper’s Hawk | Small birds, small mammals |
Great Horned Owl | Rabbits, hares, rodents, young foxes, skunks, geese |
Golden Eagle | Rabbits, hares, marmots, young deer |
Bald Eagle | Fish, waterfowl, seabirds, turtles, rabbits, carrion |
While backyard pets may be taken if easy opportunities exist, birds of prey are well adapted to hunting their natural prey sources. They do not actively seek out pets to attack in most cases when their routine food sources are available. But pet owners should still take precautions with unattended small animals.
What are Signs of Potential Predatory Birds in the Area?
Be on the lookout for these signs that may indicate predatory birds frequent your area:
– Large hawk, owl or eagle perched in trees overlooking your backyard. They may be watching for an opportunity to seize a pet.
– Feathers or animal remains found in yard that could be prey remains.
– Small pets suddenly frightened by quick-moving shadow. It may be a hawk or owl passing overhead.
– Unusual alarm calls or aggressive swooping by local crows. Crows will mob perceived predators like hawks.
– Frequent high-pitched chirping or screaming sounds. Possible hawk or owl vocalizations.
– Circling hawk over backyard as if preparing to dive.
– Owl releasing nighttime alert calls.
Immediately bring pets indoors if predatory birds are exhibiting hunting behaviors overhead. Call animal control if they appear to be an ongoing threat.
What Should I Do if a Bird of Prey Approaches My Pet?
Here are the best steps to take if a hawk, owl or eagle begins descending towards your unattended pet:
– Remain calm to avoid startling the bird which may trigger an attack.
– Make noise and wave your arms slowly to try scaring off the bird before it strikes. Do not run directly at it.
– Pick up small pets and bring them indoors if you can do so without approaching too closely.
– Openly supervise outdoor pets to discourage birds from swooping in. Predatory birds prefer isolated prey.
– Bring pets indoors if concerning bird activity continues. Call animal control if needed.
– Install bird scare tape in trees and fence posts to discourage perching near pets.
Predatory birds that begin frequenting your yard may indicate easy prey opportunities exist. Eliminate attractants and supervise pets to stay safe.
How can I Protect Pets from Birds of Prey?
– Never leave small pets unattended outdoors for extended periods. Larger pets too if concern exists.
– Install plastic bird netting or wire mesh overhead to discourage swooping.
– Remove outdoor pet food bowls between meals. Bowls attract wild birds/rodents that can draw in raptors.
– Position bird feeders away from where pets frequent to avoid luring in predators.
– Scare tape, clanging pie pans, and effigies can help deter birds of prey from yards.
– Add shelter boxes or dog houses for pets to take cover.
– Avoid walking pets near dense trees and brush where hawks and owls may perch and ambush from.
– Bring pets indoors especially at dawn/dusk when raptors are most active hunting.
– Keep cats indoors which protects from many outdoor risks, including predation.
– Ensure any outdoor hutches or runs have roofs and are made predator-proof.
Staying vigilant and not offering easy opportunities can greatly minimize any risks predatory birds may pose to pets.
What Laws Protect Birds of Prey?
Many North American birds of prey are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and state/provincial laws. These laws strictly prohibit harming, killing or disturbing the nests of protected species to preserve raptor populations. Violators face severe fines and legal consequences.
Specific birds protected include bald eagles, all hawks, owls, falcons, kites, ospreys, and vultures native to the United States and Canada. Only turkey vultures are an exception in some states where they are not protected.
If a protected bird of prey like a hawk or owl is determined to be posing an ongoing risk to pets, property owners should contact state or local wildlife authorities. They can provide guidance on legal ways to try deterring the animal humanely without harm. Killing or directly disturbing nesting raptors is prohibited.
Can I get fined if my dog or cat injures or kills a protected hawk or owl?
Property owners are generally not legally liable if their supervised, leashed pet attacks and injures a protected bird of prey that swoops into their yard. However, owners can be fined if they intentionally allow a pet to actively hunt protected species unsupervised. Fines are more likely if a pet kills a nesting bird or rare species like a bald eagle.
To avoid fines and protect pets, keep cats indoors and supervise dogs when outside. Leash laws should always be followed to minimize confrontations with protected wildlife. Promptly contacting authorities after any incident can help avoid penalties.
Conclusion
While hawks, eagles and owls can occasionally prey on pets, attacks are extremely rare in most areas when people take proper precautions. Removing attractants, supervising pets, and deterring birds from yards can greatly minimize any risks. If a predator does become a frequent threat, authorities can provide guidance on humane hazing and harassment methods to discourage the animal. With proper care and situational awareness, pet owners can help ensure their backyard birds and pets peacefully co-exist.