Hawk Smashes Into SUV, Becomes Trapped

GENESEE COUNTY, NY — A lucky red-tailed hawk lived through a collision with an SUV after a group effort by state troopers and wildlife officers to rescue it from its vehicular prison.

The hawk flew into the SUV on Aug. 10. It survived, but got stuck between the plastic front grill and the radiator. The driver said he had seen the hawk on the side of the road but was unable to avoid hitting it when it suddenly flew into his path.

State Environmental Conservation Officer Gary Wilson was called to assist NY State Trooper Andrea Muszynski at the Pembroke Service Area. Together they were able to control the hawk’s talons while breaking open the grill to free it, state conservation police said.

The bird was alert and in good condition after the extrication.

ECO Wilson took the hawk to a local wildlife rehabilitator. It was examined by a veterinarian, and the lucky bird was found to have no broken bones or other serious injuries.

It will be kept a few days for observation before being released back into the wild, environmental police said.

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