Hawk Problems

[Amy and Annabelle]

We live in the country and have a big fenced in area for Annabelle to run around in. Lately there has been a hawk watching and circling her from above. Today he swooped down to try to get her and luckily I was able to get there in time to scare him off. I don't know what to do other than have my neighbor shoot it down or keeping her on the 6ft leash at my side. She weighs 14lbs and even if she is too big for him to carry off, he still might hurt her trying. Any other suggestions?

[Cyndi, The Boys & Callie]

No suggestions but will be very interested in hearing others.  I know what I would do but will stay silent as it might not be well received by all.   When Tank was young (and a little white fluffy cotton ball) he was running onto the covered patio and suddenly a hawk swooped down and flew under the patio also.   Tank didn't notice and, since I hate birds, I was scared enough for both of us.  It flew under and then immediately out, I'm sure it thought Tank was a rabbit.  Tank was young but heavy even then so no way it could have picked him up but I don't know that either of us would have gone outside again if it had tried.   It was only that one time and never happened with the other doodles were young but I never forgot it. 

[Amy and Annabelle]

That was scary. I wished this one would go away.

[Amy and Annabelle]

Yes they are protected, I just looked it up. Jail and up to $10,000 fine.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

That would scare me to death.....I would definitely keep her on leash.

[Amy and Annabelle]

It was scary. My husband heard me screaming and came running. I have had her on a leash since it happened. Poor thing wonders why she can't go run and play keep away with her toys.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

I'm not sure what you can do besides keeping Annabelle by your side. Plus, I believe that hawks are a federally protected species, so that your neighbor cannot shoot it, even if that would eliminate the problem. We have two osprey that nest near our Cape house, and one of them tried to attack Wally when he got too close to the base of their nesting post. It was very scary, and we never let him near it again. Thankfully, it was not in our yard, but nearby. Gee. What a problem.

[Amy and Annabelle]

They are protected, so I guess that's out.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I worry about my sons' little dogs too. No bird could pick up my dogs, I can't even lift Calla. Even if this hawk were eliminated, not that it should be, another might always come along. I would not letAnnabelle out alone.

[Amy and Annabelle]

She is never out alone but the fenced in part is a good half acre, probably more, for her to run and play in and that is a lot of ground to cover to go rescue her for an old lady.

[Wendy and Myla]

We live on an acre in the country and a long time ago our huge cat had huge openings on her neck.  At first we thought it was from a barb wired fence but upon close inspection, we realized that he had been picked up by a hawk!  I have no idea how it happened or how long but from that moment on, every time he crossed our yard he was in hunter mode and went from tree to picnic table to tree etc. etc. to get to our porch where his food was.  Myla is way to big for a hawk to bother with but if you have a smaller dog, don't take the hawks lightly!  They are strong and while they might not be able to take Annabelle far, they can inflict damage and definitely make her into a timid dog!  If I were you, I would stand in your yard while Annabelle is outside to deter any large bird even thinking of trying to get her!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I don't know anything about hawks, but I wonder if something like a brightly colored vest would keep the hawk from attacking a dog, or at least confuse /alarm them enough to decide against it. I know that bright colors on caterpillars signals to birds that they're toxic and to stay away. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Maybe something striped.