Raptor Trapped in Building

It's 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:

What To Do If You Find a Raptor Trapped in a Building or Warehouse

Raptors occasionally enter large buildings, warehouses, shopping centers, or other structures while pursuing prey such as pigeons or rodents. Once inside, these birds often become disoriented by artificial lighting, reflective surfaces, and unfamiliar enclosed spaces, making it difficult for them to find their way out. A trapped raptor will become increasingly stressed and exhausted the longer it remains inside.

Why This Happens

Raptors are skilled hunters that may follow prey through open doors, loading docks, broken windows, or ventilation openings. Their excellent vision and hunting instincts lead them inside, but the complex interior environment can confuse their natural navigation abilities. What seems like an obvious exit to us may not appear that way to a bird adapted for open sky navigation.

Immediate Actions: Help the Bird Find Its Own Way Out

The best outcome is for the raptor to leave on its own. Here's how to facilitate this:

1. Open All Possible Exits Fully

  • Prop open large overhead doors, loading dock doors, and any garage-style entrances

  • Open windows that provide a clear, unobstructed flight path to the outside

  • Remove screens from windows if possible

  • The more exit options available, the better the chance the bird will find one

2. Turn Off Interior Lights

  • Switch off all artificial lighting in the area where the bird is located

  • This makes the natural light from exits much more visible and attractive to the bird

  • The contrast between dark interior and bright exits will draw the bird toward freedom

3. Create Clear Flight Paths

  • Move forklifts, ladders, shelving, and equipment away from potential exit routes

  • Remove or secure any hanging chains, netting, or wires that could entangle the bird

  • Close doors to interior rooms to prevent the bird from flying deeper into the building

4. Minimize Human Activity and Noise

  • Clear all personnel from the area where the bird is flying

  • Reduce noise from machinery, radios, and conversations

  • Stress and panic will exhaust the bird and make escape more difficult

  • The bird needs calm conditions to assess its surroundings and locate exits

5. Be Patient

  • Give the bird adequate time to find its way out—this may take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours

  • Avoid the temptation to "help" by chasing or directing the bird toward exits

  • Check periodically from a distance, but don't maintain constant human presence

If the Bird Doesn't Leave or Becomes Exhausted

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the bird may not find its way out. Signs the situation requires professional intervention:

  • The bird has been trapped for several hours without finding an exit

  • The bird lands on the ground or a low perch and appears exhausted or unable to fly

  • The bird is repeatedly flying into windows, walls, or skylights

  • The bird appears injured

  • Business operations cannot be safely suspended long enough for the bird to escape

Contact Professional Help:

University of Minnesota Raptor Center

  • Emergency Hotline: (612) 624-4745

  • Available 365 days a year

  • They have experience with trapped bird situations and can provide guidance or dispatch help

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

  • General number: (651) 296-6157

  • Can connect you with local conservation officers or licensed wildlife rehabilitators

Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators

  • The Raptor Center or DNR can connect you with rehabilitators in your area

  • Some may have experience with building extractions

What NOT To Do

  • Don't chase or herd the bird - This causes panic and exhaustion

  • Don't attempt to net or capture the bird yourself - This requires training and proper equipment; improper attempts often result in injury to the bird and people

  • Don't throw objects or use loud noises to direct the bird - This increases stress and disorientation

  • Don't use ladders to reach high-perched birds - Wait for professionals with proper equipment

  • Don't leave the bird trapped overnight - An exhausted bird may not survive; secure professional help before closing for the day

Long-Term Prevention

After the bird has safely departed:

  • Identify the entry point - How did the bird get in? Open doors? Broken windows? Ventilation gaps?

  • Implement deterrents - Install bird netting over loading docks, repair broken windows, add motion-activated alarms at entry points

  • Control prey populations - If pigeons or rodents are present in your facility, they will continue to attract hunting raptors

  • Train staff - Ensure employees know the protocol if a raptor enters the building again

  • Keep emergency contacts accessible - Post the Raptor Center and DNR numbers where staff can easily find them

Remember: These Birds Are Protected

All raptors are protected under federal law (Migratory Bird Treaty Act) and Minnesota state law. It is illegal to harm, capture, or possess wild raptors without proper permits. Only licensed wildlife professionals are authorized to handle these birds.

A Note of Appreciation

By taking the time to help a trapped raptor safely exit your facility, you're not only protecting a remarkable wild animal but also demonstrating environmental stewardship that reflects well on your organization. Minnesota's raptors—including hawks, falcons, eagles, and owls—play vital roles in our ecosystems, and your compassionate response makes a real difference.

For questions about trapped raptors or other raptor-related concerns, please contact the Minnesota Falconry Association or the University of Minnesota Raptor Center.