2 Hawks Shot In Southern California, 1 Dies During Treatment

SAN DIEGO, CA — Two hawks injured by gunfire were recently brought to the San Diego Humane Society's Project Wildlife program, officials announced.

A red-tailed hawk was found injured in Indio and initially taken to Desert Wildlife Center before arriving at Project Wildlife on Sept. 10. The bird suffered a gunshot wound and underwent surgery.

A second bird, a red-shouldered hawk, was found on the ground and unable to fly in San Diego's Encanto neighborhood on Sept. 22. The hawk had been shot with two pellets, suffered fractures to its wing and collarbone and was diagnosed with lead poisoning.

The red-shouldered hawk died while under anesthesia during treatment, officials said.

The two shootings are believed to be unrelated.

"Hawks should be able to soar over our neighborhoods without becoming targets," said Dr. Alexis Wohl, wildlife veterinary manager for Project Wildlife. "Coexisting with wildlife means finding humane solutions to concerns, not inflicting injuries on animals that belong in our environment."