The hawk was brought to the sanctuary, where it was determined to be a young female red-tailed hawk no more than 2 years old and weighing about 1 pound. The diagnosis? A concussion, according to Celeste Wiltse, founder and director of Hudson Valley Animal Rescue and Sanctuary. Other than the head injury, the bird was in very good condition and \u201cwas actually perching on the (DOT\u2019s) truck when we got there,\u201d Wiltse said.<\/p>\n
Wiltse said the bird probably was brushed by a car when chasing something to eat. When an animal is found alongside the road and being friendly or not reacting to human interactions, that\u2019s a sign that something is wrong, Wiltse said, adding that their eyes will be dilated and unable to focus.<\/p>\n
The hawk spent three days at the Poughkeepsie sanctuary and has since been brought to Peter Corey, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in New Paltz. So far, she\u2019s doing very well, eating six mice a day, and will likely be released in the next week, Wiltse said.<\/p>\n The DOT is not new to animal rescue operations. Every day, the Hopewell Junction crew finds wildlife on the Taconic State Parkway, including turtles that need help crossing the road, abandoned fawns and domestic animals like dogs \u2014 although this was their first time rescuing a hawk, Wilson said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was very, very interesting,\u201d Wilson said. \u201cThe hawk is a lot lighter than you think it would be.\u201d<\/p>\n If people find an injured wild animal on the side of the road, Wilson recommends not stopping and putting yourself in danger, but calling State Police or a wildlife rehabilitator. The state Department of Environmental Conservation also advises calling one of its regional wildlife offices.<\/p>\n \u201cI had her for three days and she was looking really good,\u201d Wiltse said. \u201cI was 100% sure she was going to be released and have a very successful release and good life.\u201d<\/p>\n