Pets

Red-Tailed Hawk Shot Illegally In Oxford; CT DEEP Investigating

The bird, which was shot with an arrow, BBs and pellet, survived the attack and is under treatment, according to authorities.

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A red-tailed hawk, similar to the one pictured, was shot illegally in December, and state environmental authorities are looking for the culprit.
A red-tailed hawk, similar to the one pictured, was shot illegally in December, and state environmental authorities are looking for the culprit. (Ellyn Santiago/Patch file photo)

OXFORD, CT — A red-tailed hawk was shot with an arrow illegally in Oxford in late December, and the Connecticut State Environmental Conservation Police officials are asking for the public's help in finding the culprit.

The bird survived being impaled by the arrow, and it and is currently being treated by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, authorities said. It had been spotted in the vicinity of Thorson Road and North Mark Drive and was captured for treatment.

"Examination indicated the hawk also had embedded BBs and an air rifle pellet," authorities wrote on Facebook.

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Under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, "it is illegal to take, injure, or harass any bird of prey," authorities said.

Additionally, property owners may not kill birds of prey in defense of livestock without proper permission.

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Anyone with any information is urged to contact the Environmental Conservation Police 24-hour tip line at 860-424-3333.

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