Time and time again I've had people tell me their beloved pet probably got carried away by a hawk – but has anyone actually seen it happen? I really like hawks, and admire their beauty and skill at soaring so effortlessly through the air. I also really like cats, and enjoy giving my own cats the freedom to go outside and enjoy the sunshine and stimulation. I realize that the outdoors has many dangers for cats, so I’m curious are Red Tails one of those dangers…or just a myth?
According to The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Red Tails can take prey up to 5 pounds, most adult cats are over 7 pounds. So it is possible they could pick up a kitten, but I want to know if anyone in the area has actually seen it happen.
p.s. I have heard of an owl swooping in a snatching a Chihuahua just outside of Durango – the woman who was
in the yard with the dog, watched the entire thing and no way she made it
up.
p.s.s. Just this morning, two separate people who were looking for their missing cats, thought that a hawk killed the cats.
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p.s.s. Just this morning, two separate people who were looking for their missing cats, thought that a hawk killed the cats.
I've seen a great horned owl carry off a kitten before. I think an adult cat would be a) too heavy and b) too much trouble with claws and teeth to make it worth it!
ReplyDeleteBrian Marshall DVM, MS