Hawk Struck by Vehicle on Freeway

The raptor was extricated and taken to the Audubon Society for treatment.

Images of the hawk still inside the truck grill and then after being removed for transport to a vet. Photos courtesy: Oregon State Police

(CANBY, Ore.) - An Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife trooper and Milwaukie-area man worked together to rescue a hawk that was lodged in the front section of the man's sport utility vehicle after it was struck Wednesday morning on Interstate 5.

"The hawk was transported by the trooper to the Audubon Society of Portland to be examined for its injuries," OSP Spokesman Lt. Gregg Hastings said.

He explained that this morning at approximately 6:30 a.m. a Ford Expedition was northbound on Interstate 5 at freeway speeds near the Canby exit when an adult red tail hawk flew in front of the vehicle and was struck.

"After stopping, the man checked the front of his vehicle and discovered the hawk had broken through the front grill and was injured, stuck between the radiator and grill."

Hastings says OSP Senior Trooper Mike Hanson responded to the man's residence in Milwaukie.

"With the man's help, they removed the vehicle's front grill and dislodged the injured hawk. Senior Trooper Hanson transported the injured hawk to the Audubon Society of Portland's Wildlife Care Center for an examination of its injuries by Veterinarian Deb Sheaffer."

Hastings says the preliminary examination is encouraging.