A red-shouldered hawk struck by a vehicle on Bermont Road has been released back into the wild after 77 days of recovery at the Peace River Wildlife Center in Charlotte County.
Cassie Tessier, the hospital rehabilitation manager at the center, said they received the hawk back on Feb. 6, suffering a fractured ulna. The staff says it was initially too weak to eat on its own.
“We weren’t sure he was even going to make it overnight,” Tessier said.
Through consistent physical and laser therapy, antibiotics, and supportive feeding, the hawk regained strength and began eating independently.
This Wednesday, April 23, was release day for the renewed hawk. The bird was taken to the Babcock Ranch preserves, where it will roam freely and contribute to the local ecosystem.
“It’s a predatory species, so it’ll help control populations of rodents and other small animals,” said Cristina Kontos, environmental manager and biologist at Babcock Ranch. She added that the area provides opportunities for the hawk to mate and thrive.
The Peace River Wildlife Center says this is one of its first success stories with patients since Hurricane Milton damaged the wildlife center.
Peace River staff says they are hopeful the hawk will live a long, healthy life in its natural habitat after its long road to recovery.
DOWNLOAD
the free
Gulf Coast News app
for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more.