Parents and pet owners often ask: How worried should I be around birds of prey? Will they attack or try to carry away my child, dog, or cat? Especially in a rural area like Big Bear, it’s good to know the facts when it comes to predatory birds and other wildlife. We’ll break down the most common birds of prey you’re likely to encounter, how much you should worry (or not) about your kids and pets, and how to keep safe around them.
The most common birds of prey (or raptors) in Southern California are hawks, owls, eagles, vultures, falcons, kites, and ospreys. Their name is indicative of their nature: they prey on, and eat, small animals and mammals. These predatory birds have hooked beaks and sharp talons used to hunt and kill their prey, which they typically grab and fly away to feast on (though they can also attack and eat their prey on the ground). Common raptor prey includes other birds, fish, small animals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
We’ve all heard the stories: an eagle carries off a toddler while the parents are distracted. But are those stories really true? While some stories like these have proven to be hoaxes, there are other stories that are all too real. So, if some of the stories are true, how common are attacks? And what causes birds to attack in the first place?
While eagles, hawks, and other raptors can attack small children, there are only a handful of stories where they do—and they date back over two hundred years. But while it’s still rare that a bird will attack or carry away a child, the National Audubon Society does concede that bird attacks in general are on the rise. The organization blames the loss of bird habitats due to urbanization. However, these instances are also likely to occur during nesting season, when people wander a bit too close to bird nests. So, how can you protect yourself and your family from bird attacks?
How to prevent bird attacks:
Keep an eye on babies and small children when out in nature—never leave them unattended or let them run ahead of you on a trail.
Carry an umbrella or wear a hat for cover. An umbrella can also be used to fend off birds on the rare chance that they attack.
Don’t wear or carry shiny objects that attract birds.
Avoid visiting common nesting areas while hiking.
Are Your Pets Safe from Birds of Prey?
Unfortunately, it’s all too common for hawks, eagles, owls, and other bird predators to attack pets. Small and even some medium-sized dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, and other household animals are all at risk when outdoors. How do you protect your pets from bird attacks?
How to protect your pets from bird attacks:
Supervise and stay close to your pets and animals when outdoors. Birds of prey are less likely to attack when a larger predator (you) are nearby.
Keep pets/animals safe in an outdoor enclosure that has a sturdy roof, like a cage, chicken run, or catio.
Transition your cat from an outdoor to an indoor cat. Indoor cats are far less likely to be attacked or killed by a raptor, coyote, or other predators. As such, they typically live up to 13 years longer than outdoor cats.
Train your dog or cat not to chase or even nose around birds; birds may view these behaviors as threats and may attack to protect themselves and nearby nests.
Invest in a talon-proof vest for your dog as protection against hawks, owls, eagles, and even coyotes.
Prune trees around your property to reduce the areas where predatory birds can perch.
Put up a scarecrow or fake owl to scare birds away.
Clean up under your bird feeders and don’t leave pet food outside that bring rodents and other small animals that attract hawks and other birds of prey.
Get to Know More About Predatory Birds
Birds of prey may get a bad rap, but they are a vital part of our entire ecosystem—and remarkably interesting to learn about! You and your family are invited to join our virtual Bird Talk on owls later this month! Learn more about these nocturnal creatures from our guest bird expert in this hour-long presentation, including a Q&A where you can ask your questions. Want to keep up to date on our bird and nature walks? Visit our Activities page to see what’s coming next!
It may be possible for some eagles to lift small children, but there is scant evidence of this actually happening. Eagles and other raptors do sometimes injure people, although these rare encounters are likely driven by fear more than hunger.
While eagles, hawks, and other raptors can attack small children, there are only a handful of stories where they do—and they date back over two hundred years. But while it's still rare that a bird will attack or carry away a child, the National Audubon Society does concede that bird attacks in general are on the rise.
Most dogs and cats are large enough to be safe from hawks and owls. Even very small dogs may be too heavy for a hawk or owl to carry, although it's still possible that large raptors might attack them.
Can a hawk pick up a 10-pound cat? No, a hawk cannot pick up a 10-pound cat. This is too heavy for any hawk species. However, it's not too heavy for an eagle, possibly even for owls.
Hawks, as birds of prey, can attack small mammals. While uncommon, they can sometimes target domestic cats, especially smaller or younger ones. What Triggers A Hawk To Attack?
co*ckatiel. co*ckatiels are larger than finches and budgies, but they're still one of the best pet birds for kids. They can learn to talk, whistle, and do tricks, making them a delight for children.
The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is considered one of the most powerful and largest raptors globally. The length of the rear talons is about 4 to 5 inches, just the same as a grizzly bear's claws. Those talons give the Harpy enough power and grip to lift prey up to their own weight.
An eagle may protect an area up to 150 feet from their nest. Eagles are not very strong, and although they may initially pick up a small dog in their talons, they won't be able to carry the pup too far. Trauma from being dropped on the ground may be a sign that your missing dog has been grabbed and moved by an eagle.
In some cases the answer is “yes.” But the important thing to keep in mind is that most birds of prey are more than capable of killing an adult cat, even if they cannot carry it off (and clearly, kittens are easy pickings).
Spoiler alert: No, no, and Google it. Depending on where they live, some Bald Eagles eat mainly fish; others subsist mostly on other birds, such as gulls and geese. But mammals, like rabbits, lambs and, yes, even adorable kittens, are typically an uncommon item on the menu.
Dogs, even small ones, are not typically on a hawk's menu. Now, a desperate juvenile hawk that is a poor or unexperienced hunter might resort to attacking a dog, Hankey says, but it's more likely a hawk defending its nest from a dog that has come too close.
As predators, raptors will help keep down the levels of small rodents like the mice who are entering your home, the insects eating the tomatoes in your vegetable garden, and the snakes hiding in the grass. Raptors are a sign that you have successfully created a healthy shared environment for birds—and people too!
Headlines from the New York Times alone include “Eagle Seizes Little Girl,” “Eagle Tries to Carry Off Scottish Baby From Mother,” “Father Shoots a Bird With Infant in Its Talons,” and “Eagle Carries Off Child.” According to a 1910 story in the Milwaukee Sentinel, a two-month old child was stolen from its cradle by an ...
The female must incubate her eggs for about one month, usually between 28 and 35 days. After the chicks hatch, they are covered in fluffy white down. The parents must be very diligent about protecting their nestlings as they can fall victim to crows and even Great-horned Owls.
A hawk can carry about 4 pounds. They would be able to carry off a medium size kitten. Most cats would be too large for a hawk. Even a large eagle can only carry about 5 pounds, though an eagle can kill much larger prey.
The answer is yes, hawks do attack dogs, but it's not a common occurrence. Hawks will only attack prey they deem small enough to pick up and carry away.
Introduction: My name is Arielle Torp, I am a comfortable, kind, zealous, lovely, jolly, colorful, adventurous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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