Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Raptors

This week, we’re spotlighting a serious issue affecting many of our current patients: vehicle collisions.

Over the past month, more than a dozen raptors of different species have been admitted to our center after being struck by cars. These birds of prey play a critical role in maintaining balanced ecosystems, and their injuries have ripple effects in the natural world.

Great Horned Owl

Why Raptors Are Critical to the Ecosystem

Raptors are apex predators that serve as nature’s pest control. By hunting rodents and other small animals, they prevent overpopulation, reducing crop destruction, limiting the spread of disease, and helping balance ecosystems.

Their work benefits everyone—from farmers to gardeners to other wildlife species that depend on stable habitats. When raptors are injured or killed, these delicate ecosystems can quickly become imbalanced.

Red-tailed Hawk

Why They’re Still Here This Time of Year

Not all birds fly south for the winter. Many raptors remain active year-round.

• Hunting in Colder Months: With less cover and fewer prey animals, winter hunting becomes more challenging, forcing raptors to expand their territories and hunt longer hours to survive.
• Dusk and Dawn Activity: These hours are prime hunting times for owls, overlapping with rush-hour traffic. This overlap, combined with shorter daylight hours, creates a deadly situation for these birds.

Barred Owl

How You Can Make a Difference

1. Drive with Raptors in Mind

• Slow Down: Obey speed limits and stay extra alert at night, particularly on roads near wooded areas or open fields.
• Keep Roadsides Clean: Littering might seem harmless, but it’s a hidden danger to wildlife. Even biodegradable scraps like banana peels, apple cores, or bread attract small prey animals, like rodents, to roadways. Raptors follow these prey animals to hunt, only to end up in the path of oncoming vehicles.

Red-shouldered Hawk

2. Be Prepared for Wildlife Emergencies

• Save These Numbers: Add the following to your phone so you’re ready if you see or hit an animal:
  • Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Hotline: (540) 837-9000
  • Your Local Wildlife Rehabilitator
  • Non-Emergency Police or Animal Control

3. If You See or Hit an Animal:

• Pull over only when it’s safe.
• Turn on hazard lights.
• Keep a safe distance from the animal to avoid further stress or injury.
• Call for professional advice on how to proceed.

Eastern Screech Owl (Gray Phase)

It’s About More Than Just Birds

Protecting raptors is about protecting entire ecosystems. When raptors are safe and thriving, they provide invaluable services to nature, benefiting humans and wildlife alike!

By driving mindfully, keeping roadsides clean, and being prepared for emergencies, you can make a real difference.

Looking for an easy way to help native wildlife? Become a monthly BRWC donor! For as little as $5/month, you can provide year-round, sustainable support that helps us fulfill our mission.