GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A young bird of prey is back in the wild, after being released Wednesday.
Green Bay police say a Red-tailed hawk was shot by an arrow, and officers are still looking for those responsible.
Inside a flight cage at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay, a the bird is getting ready to take an important flight.
“It’s a happy ending to an unfortunate incident that we had to respond to. It shouldn’t have happened in the first place,” said Officer Mallory Meves, Green Bay Police Department.
Meves tells FOX 11 the bird was found July 21st, shot with an arrow, on the city’s west side.
“I was able to take custody of that bird, remove the arrow shaft. I then transferred her over to the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary where she was medically evaluated by veterinary staff.”
“Fortunately, the damage was not so severe, that it couldn’t heal,” said Steve Lakatos, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Superintendent.
Lakatos tells FOX 11 the hawk was shot in the left wing.
“With just some antibiotics, some time, some TLC, some good food, and just overall protection from the staff here on site.”
He says after about six weeks the bird was strong enough for release. Officer Meves did the honors.
“To be able to have this animal be out there in the wild, back where she belongs, I always say let wildlife be wild. She’s doing what she’s supposed to do in a safe environment now.”
Green Bay police are still looking for those responsible for shooting the hawk. If anyone has information, call (920) 448-3208.
Red-tailed hawks are protected species in the U.S.
Police say it’s also illegal to discharge a firearm, including a bow, in the city of Green Bay.
