What to Do If You Find an Injured Bird of Prey in Nevada

Found an Injured Raptor? Here's What to Do

Every year, thousands of birds of prey are injured across Nevada. Whether it's a hawk that hit a window, an eagle with lead poisoning, or an owl struck by a car, knowing what to do in those first critical moments can mean the difference between life and death.

This guide covers everything you need to know about helping injured raptors in Las Vegas and Southern Nevada.

Step 1: Assess the Situation Safely

Your safety comes first. Birds of prey have powerful talons and beaks designed to catch prey. Even an injured bird can cause serious harm if it feels threatened.

Signs a raptor needs help:

• Unable to fly or fluttering on the ground
• Visible injury (bleeding, drooping wing, swelling)
• Lying on its side or back
• Eyes closed or not responding to movement
• Covered in oil, glue, or other substances
• Hit by a vehicle

Important: A bird sitting quietly on the ground is not always injured. Fledgling raptors (young birds learning to fly) often rest on the ground between practice flights. Watch from a distance for 1-2 hours before intervening.

Step 2: Call for Help

Do not attempt to treat the bird yourself. Raptors require specialized veterinary care that only licensed wildlife rehabilitators can provide.

Emergency Contacts for Nevada

Southern Nevada (Las Vegas area):

• Nevada Department of Wildlife: (702) 486-5127
• Golden Flights: Contact us
• Las Vegas Valley Humane Society: (702) 434-2009

Statewide:

• NDOW Wildlife Dispatch (24/7): 1-800-992-3030

What to tell them:

• Exact location of the bird
• Species if known (hawk, eagle, owl, falcon)
• Visible injuries
• How long the bird has been there
• Your contact information

Step 3: Contain the Bird (If Directed)

Only attempt to contain the bird if instructed by wildlife officials. If you must:

1. Wear thick leather gloves or use a heavy towel
2. Approach slowly from behind
3. Cover the bird's head with a towel or light cloth (this calms them)
4. Gently place in a cardboard box with air holes
5. Keep dark and quiet — no music, no peeking
6. Do not offer food or water — this can cause more harm
7. Keep at room temperature — not in direct sun or air conditioning

Never use a wire cage — raptors can break feathers trying to escape, which can permanently affect their ability to fly.

Step 4: Transport Safely

If you're instructed to transport the bird:

• Place the box on a flat surface in your vehicle
• Keep the car quiet (no radio)
• Drive smoothly — avoid sudden stops
• Do not open the box to check on the bird
• Go directly to the rehabilitation center

Common Injuries We See

Lead Poisoning

The #1 killer of Golden Eagles in Nevada. Eagles ingest lead fragments when feeding on animals shot with lead ammunition. Symptoms include weakness, inability to stand, and seizures.

Electrocution

Power lines and poles cause severe burns and often fatal injuries. We work with NV Energy on raptor-safe pole designs.

Vehicle Strikes

Raptors hunting near roads are often hit by cars, especially at dawn and dusk.

Window Collisions

Urban development puts birds at risk. Reflective windows can be invisible to birds in flight.

Rodenticide Poisoning

Birds that eat poisoned rodents can suffer secondary poisoning. Consider using non-toxic pest control methods.

How You Can Help Prevent Injuries

1. Use non-lead ammunition when hunting
2. Report downed power lines to NV Energy
3. Add bird-safe decals to large windows
4. Choose non-toxic pest control methods
5. Drive carefully at dawn and dusk near open areas
6. Support raptor rehabilitation through donations and volunteering

About Golden Flights

Golden Flights is a Las Vegas-based raptor rehabilitation center dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured Golden Eagles and other birds of prey across Southern Nevada.

Our mission is to reverse the alarming decline of Nevada's raptor populations through hands-on care, community education, and habitat protection.

Learn more about our work | Donate to support our mission | Volunteer with us

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Last updated: February 2026. For emergencies, always call Nevada Department of Wildlife at 1-800-992-3030.