SAVE TUCSON'S HARRIS' HAWKS

Harris' Hawks have lived in Tucson since the 1980's .
They thrive in our desert suburban environment.

Our Sonoran Desert Harris Hawk subspecies lives in packs - typically a family is between 3 and 7 Hawks, but has been known to number up to 17.

Because of the way they hunt, they are often called "the wolves of the sky". They have three different hunting tactics, and only in AZ have a special "stacking" tactic.

Harris' Hawks strive to find the highest point to perch to assist in their hunting: on saguaros, tall trees such as eucalyptus, and telephone poles.

Because of their unique style of hunting and because they often perch of utility poles, they are at high risk of electrocution.

HOW COMMON ARE ELECTROCUTIONS?

• An early study showed that 50% of all breeding Harris' Hawks were being electrocuted
• A later study showed that on average, from every single Harris' Hawk nest at least one member of the family had been electrocuted
• Data on numbers of hawk electrocutions is hard to find online
• Not all electrocutions result in death, there are hawk injuries as well

WHAT IS BEING DONE TO PREVENT THIS?

• Since 2002, new construction poles have been designed to prevent these hawk electrocutions
• TEP has set aside money to retrofit poles with grey caps to prevent further electrocutions

WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP?

• Contact TEP if you see any dead/injured raptors near a utility pole
• Contact TEP if you notice an area Harris' Hawks are hunting and perching regularly to ensure those poles have been retrofitted
• Do not feed wildlife near electrical equipment
• Share this info with others so they are aware

WHO DO I CALL TO REPORT RAPTOR NEST SITES OR INJURED OR DEAD HAWKS?