Injured Wild Raptors

What to do if you Find an Injured or Trapped Raptor

It is Illegal to Keep Wild Raptors

All raptors are protected under federal and state law. It is illegal to possess, keep, or rehabilitate wild raptors without proper permits. Always contact licensed professionals.If you encounter an injured or trapped wild raptor (hawk, falcon, eagle, owl, or other bird of prey), your quick and careful response can make a critical difference in the bird's survival. Here's what you need to know:

Assess the Situation from a Safe Distance

Your safety comes first! Do not attempt to capture an injured raptor on a busy roadside, in water, or in other potentially dangerous locations. Before approaching, observe the bird carefully. Raptors have powerful talons and beaks that can cause serious injury, even when the bird is hurt or weakened. Signs that a raptor needs help include:

  • Visible injuries (bleeding, broken wings, or legs)

  • Inability to fly or stand

  • Being caught in netting, fencing, or other debris

  • Appearing disoriented or lethargic

  • Remaining in a dangerous location (roadway, near predators)

Do Not Attempt to Handle the Bird Yourself

While your instinct may be to help immediately, handling wild raptors requires specialized training and permits. Improper handling can worsen injuries, cause extreme stress to the bird, or result in injury to you.

Do Not Offer Food or Water

Do not offer food or water, as this can complicate treatment. If the raptor needs medical attention, it is best that it has an empty stomach when it arrives to the veterinary clinic. Additionally, raptors require specific nutrient-rich diet, and providing incorrect food may be detrimental.

Contact Professional Help Immediately

University of Minnesota Raptor Center

  • Emergency Hotline: (612) 624-4745

  • Available 365 days a year for injured raptor emergencies

  • Located in St. Paul, they are Minnesota's primary raptor rehabilitation facility

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

  • Call your local DNR office or the general number: (651) 296-6157

  • They can dispatch a conservation officer or connect you with licensed rehabilitators

While Waiting for Help

If you're able to stay with the bird safely:

  • Keep people and pets at a distance to minimize stress

  • If the bird is in immediate danger (on a road), you may gently encourage it to move to safety using a broom or branch—never with your hands

  • Note the exact location and any visible injuries to report to responders

  • Again, do not offer food or water, as this can complicate treatment

If You Must Contain the Bird (Only in Life-Threatening Situations)

In rare cases where the bird is in immediate mortal danger and professional help will be delayed, you may need to contain it. Only do this if absolutely necessary:

  1. Wear thick gloves and eye protection

  2. Use a large towel or blanket to gently cover the bird, including its head

  3. Carefully place the bird in a secure cardboard box with air holes

  4. Keep the box in a quiet, dark, warm location

  5. Transport to a rehabilitator as soon as possible—do not keep the bird longer than necessary

Special Note: Fledgling Raptors

Young raptors learning to fly often spend time on the ground and may appear in distress when they're actually fine. If you find a young raptor that appears healthy, fully feathered, and alert, observe from a distance before calling. Parents are likely nearby. However, if the bird is injured, in danger, or has been abandoned for several hours, contact a rehabilitator.

Your quick action and responsible response can save a raptor's life. When in doubt, always call the experts. Thank you for caring about Minnesota's wild raptors.