Can a hawk pick up a dog? It’s no urban myth; small dogs and cats are being grabbed by predatory birds. Although it’s relatively rare, it does happen. Often the hawk or owl quickly drops the pet, realizing it’s far too heavy to carry. But sometimes, it doesn’t turn out well. So can a hawk pick up a dog? YES! It’s relatively rare but it does happen.
The sad truth is: large raptors, such as Red-tailed Hawks and Great Horned Owls, can attack and kill small pets. Typically these predator birds eat rodents, birds, rabbits, snakes, and insects, but we need to keep our small dogs like Morkies safe. You might be thinking that even if a hawk attacked your dog, they wouldn’t be strong enough to pick up your pup. In fact, hawks can pick up small dogs and carry them away, just like other prey.
You might be thinking that even if a hawk attacked your dog, they wouldn’t be strong enough to pick up your pup. In fact, hawks can pick up small dogs and carry them away, just like other prey.
Recent reports of hawk attacks on small dogs
Lori Timczyk with her daughter Jessica, 15, and Rocky, their 4-pound Yorkshire terrier who survived an attack from a hawk. 2015, near Pittsburgh .
Little Nappi was attacked by a hawk in her own yard according to owners.
In Southfield, Michigan, a large hawk picked up this family dog Benny. Fortunately, the bird dropped the little dog and his owner found him and rushed him to a Vet. However, Benny suffered a half dozen puncture wounds, bruises and a fractured jaw
Super disturbing incident in Ireland!
This instance, in the news January, 2017, is particularly horrible because the owner actually set his bird of prey on the tiny Pomeranian on purpose! The dog owner said his two children were left “hysterical” while watching their beloved pooch Bonnie being pinned to the ground for five minutes with the Harris hawk’s talons embedded in her head.
Finally after about 5 minutes, the bird owner called off the attack. When the dog owner tried to get his address, the bird-brain guy set his hawk on them again!! Unbelievable.
Little Bonnie, after being attacked by a bird of prey WHICH THE OWNER SET ON HER PURPOSELY!
Which birds are the most dangerous?
There are a number of birds of prey, or ‘raptors’ which could harm your Morkie or other small pet. But the two most dangerous are the Red-Tailed Hawk and the Great Horned Owl.
In general, red-tailed hawks are considered one of the most dangerous hawk species in the US.
The red-tailed hawk’s range and numbers make them one of the most frequently encountered raptors in North America. Weighing around 3 pounds, they’re also among the biggest hawk species, meaning they’re more likely to see your small dog as potential prey.
Other notable hawk species that may go after your dog as prey include red-shouldered hawks, Harris’s hawks, and northern goshawks.
Coyote vest for dogs can protect against predatory birds. There’s a wide variety of choices on Amazon.
Although chances of a hawk or owl attack are pretty miniscule, it never hurts to take precautions, especially if you live in the country. Here are some tips –
Keep your pets leashed and supervise them while they’re outside. Putting your Morkie outside? Stay with your pup. Owls and hawks aren’t the only dangers – coyotes are encroaching on developed areas more and more. And… what about the low life scumbags who target and steal small dogs so that they can resell them?
- Don’t feed your Morkie outside. He won’t be as aware of what’s going on, and food could attract predators.
- Never disturb nesting birds or their offspring. Raptor birds are protected by law.
- Avoid feeding ground birds and low feeders like doves and quail. They attract predatory birds.
Keeping your Morkie safe from predators like birds and coyotes
Although chances of a hawk or owl attack are pretty small, it never hurts to take precautions, especially if you live in the country. Here are some tips –
Keep your pets leashed and supervise them while they’re outside. Putting your Morkie outside? Stay with your pup. Owls and hawks aren’t the only dangers – coyotes are encroaching on developed areas more and more. And… what about the low life scumbags who target and steal small dogs so that they can resell them?
- Don’t feed your Morkie outside. He won’t be as aware of what’s going on, and food could attract predators.
- Never disturb nesting birds or their offspring. Raptor birds are protected by law.
- Avoid feeding ground birds and low feeders like doves and quail. They attract predatory birds.
Remember this scene from The Proposal?
This is Sandra Bullock from the hilarious movie, The Proposal (2009). Bullock, a self-absorbed executive, is on her cell phone and doesn’t notice that a hawk has just swooped down to grab her American Eskimo dog. Luckily she grabs the dog back.
