Two Hawks Shot in San Diego County
Local authorities treated two injured raptors for gunshot wounds after separate incidents this fall.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Birds
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The San Diego Humane Society treated two hawks for gunshot wounds, marking two separate incidents of violence against protected birds. A red-shouldered hawk found in the Encanto neighborhood and a red-tailed hawk found in Indio were both brought into care in September 2026.
Why it matters
These incidents impact local wildlife populations and violate federal protections for raptors. The harm caused to these birds highlights the danger posed to protected species within our regional ecosystem.
Veterinarians documented two pellet wounds and lead poisoning in the red-shouldered hawk and one gunshot wound in the red-tailed hawk. These two cases represent confirmed injuries to protected raptors reported by the society on October 13, 2026.
The players
San Diego Humane Society
A local animal welfare organization that provides medical care and rehabilitation for injured wildlife in the San Diego region.
Desert Wildlife Center
A specialized facility involved in the initial triage and stabilization of rescued raptors before further medical treatment.
The details
The red-shouldered hawk was found on the ground in the Encanto neighborhood before being brought in for treatment, where it ultimately died during anesthesia. The red-tailed hawk was triaged at the Desert Wildlife Center following its injury before being transferred for orthopedic surgery. These raptors are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which regulates how these animals are handled and treated.
Timeline
September 10, 2026: The red-tailed hawk arrived at the Desert Wildlife Center.
September 22, 2026: The red-shouldered hawk was discovered in the Encanto neighborhood.
October 13, 2026: The San Diego Humane Society publicly reported the two hawk cases.
The Home Front
Local raptor populations remain under the protection of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which mandates the ethical treatment of these species. These incidents serve as a reminder of the vulnerability of protected wildlife residing in urban and suburban areas.
Residents should remain observant of local wildlife behavior and report any injured or downed raptors immediately to professional animal services. Do not attempt to handle injured birds of prey yourself, as they require specialized care and represent a safety risk to the untrained.
The takeaway
Protecting regional raptor species is a community effort that begins with awareness of federal laws like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. If you encounter an injured bird of prey, contact local animal control or wildlife rescue professionals rather than approaching the animal.
Further reading
Learn more about local raptor conservation and support efforts at Birds.
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