Protect Your Pet from Dangerous Animals!
Predators don't hunt or frighten for fun. Raptors attack for food or to defend their breeding area. Goshawks and owls attack pets. Cooper's hawk and sharp-shinned hawk rarely harm pets.
Pet-Hunting Raptors
Birds of prey are more likely to attack small pets left outside unattended. Raptors hunt 20-pound prey. Many birds of prey will attack larger animals, including people, if their nest or young are threatened.
Raptors Pose a Threat to Pets
How to Keep Your Pets Safe From Predators
Keep dog outside. When a large animal is present, raptors are less likely to target tiny ones. Without a cover, umbrella, or roof, you're as conspicuous as your pet. Keep your pet close at a park, yard, or other open area.
Always Keep an Eye on the Pets!
Unsupervised pets should have a roofed enclosure. This lets the pet go outside but protects it from birds. Birds don't avoid runs without roofs. Roofs give shade and security to keep pets safe and comfortable.
Keep Pets Contained
Pets should not molest any size bird. Dogs that hunt birds are less prone to fear raptors. Even if a dog or cat is just playing or curious about birds, they may attack.
Pet Training
Don't feed doves, quail, and other ground birds. These birds attract larger hawks, and a hunting hawk can target a pet just as easily as a wild feeding bird. If hawks attack pets, remove ground bird baths.
Prevent Birds from Feeding on the Ground
A pet eating won't see a predator and could be attacked. Unattended pet food attracts rodents, raccoons, squirrels, and raptors. Once a raptor finds a good hunting spot, it will return, harming pets.
It's best to feed pets inside the house
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