Bitter Winter Weather Can Have Lethal Consequences for Wildlife

The bitter weather we're now experiencing can be devastating to native wildlife. Predatory birds like hawks and owls are having an especially difficult time. The Wildlife Clinic has seen an increased number of predatory birds suffering from the cold. We're getting calls about dead owls and we're seeing more emaciated and injured birds. Young hawks and owls are starving to death. They're also hunting in places where there is not so much snow-such as by the side of the road-and they're being hit by cars.

"On just one day last week, we admitted two Red-Tailed Hawks, a Cooper's Hawk, a Sharp-Shinned Hawk, a Canada Goose and a wild duck from a North Shore rehabilitator," said Dr. Mark Pokras, Director of the Wildlife Clinic. Wildlife rehabilitators from all over the state are getting deluged right now. It takes much more energy to keep warm in this kind of weather and the birds have to find, capture and eat a lot more food to stoke their internal furnaces. Most of the natural food sources for birds of prey, such as mice, moles and other small rodents, are underneath the crusty snow covering and the birds can't get to them. Most of the predatory mammals, like fox and weasels, can dig out more food sources than the birds can. People should keep an eye out for wildlife throughout the year, but especially now because there will be more animals in trouble. Keep your bird feeders filled. But be aware: talons from hawks and owls can do damage, as can the sharp beaks of fish eaters like loons and cormorants, so human safety is also a concern. If you're not equipped or trained to handle these animals, be sure to contact your local animal control officer, a wildlife rehabilitator or state agency for help.