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How do I protect my 20 lb bishon/poo from hawks attacking during the day. He is alway on a leash with me. This is the first time we have been swooped two days in a row around 5 and then again at 7. I am a woman and afraid. I carry a grill cleaner with me and yell and waive it. Please help. Also should I be afraid to go out at around 10 for his last outing. We live in scottsdale, az.
Optional Information: Type of Animal: Bishon/Poo Dog Gender: Male Age: 14 Name of Bird: Hawk possibly Harris or Night Already Tried: Waiving a grill cleaner and yelling at them.
Hello, I'm Dr. Bob.This is an amazing question! Probably the best protection would be a light fishing rod without a reel. This would sting, but not seriously damage the hawk when used to swat the bird or like a fencing sword. It would also be light to carry and not too cumbersome. Hawks do not normally attack humans without provocation, and don't fly at night so you should be safe, and will be able to protect your dog by keeping him close to you.It would be a good idea to call the fish and game office in your area to report this behavior. The hawk may not be well and unable to capture his or her usual prey. The hawk may need help, too.If you should have further questions, please let me know.Kindest regards,Dr. Bob
I noticed that the hawks are working in pairs and fly that way. There are two flying and one or tow more in a distant tree. In our area it is a federal crime to kill them. would an umbrella work as well?
They are a protected species in all of the U.S. The penalties for killing them are pretty severe, but self-defense could be claimed in this case, I would think. An umbrella would work, perhaps too well! You would be more likely to seriously injure them with an umbrella than a fishing pole. If they're working in pairs, and appear to be swooping your dog rather than directly attacking, I suspect they may have fledgling young somewhere close-by to where you're walking. This sounds more like protective behavior than predatory. A simple change of route to avoid that particular area may be the best and least confrontational approach to a solution.Letting the fish and game people know would still be a good idea as someone may not be as caring and peaceable as you obviously are, and the birds could be injured or killed by people taking matters in their own hands.If I may be of any further assistance to you, please let me know.Kindest regards,Dr. Bob
Experience: 35 years in general practice, including avian.