Red-Tailed Hawk Released Back
in to the Wild at the PIC Greensburg Office

April 20, 2010 - Several members of the PIC staff and a few program participants experienced Earth Day two days early in Greensburg. The group observed the release back into the wild of a red-tailed hawk found injured behind the PIC Corporate facility a few weeks prior. When PIC discovered the injured bird they immediately contacted their friends at the Westmoreland Conservation District, located across the road, who then contacted Wildlife Works, an organization that specializes in wildlife rehabilitation. Wildlife Works quickly came to rescue the bird and nursed it back to health over the next few weeks.

Karen Barnhart, a Westmoreland Conservation District employee and Wildlife Works volunteer addressed the crowd before the releasing the bird. "You did the right thing by calling in the professionals. Whenever you encounter wildlife, you should never try to touch, feed or move it", she said. She also stated that they believe the hawk is a young male and most likely was injured either by encountering another hawk or flying into the building.

When Karen released the hawk from a cardboard box, after perching on her arm for a brief moment, he quickly took flight into a nearby cluster of trees, healthy as can be!

Wildlife Works, located in Youngwood, is a non-profit organization that is always looking for volunteers. For more information, or if you need assistance in dealing with a situation involving wildlife, contact them at (724) 925-6862.