Endangered hawk euthanized after being left unable to feed itself by suspected abuse, authorities say

HILO, Hawaii (KHNL/Gray News) - Officials in Hawaii are reminding the public to report any suspected illegal activity after they encountered a disturbing incident involving a Hawaiian hawk, also known as an ‘io.

Wildlife officials with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) said the hawk was found emaciated and missing a portion of its beak in Mountain View last month.

The person who found the bird ed the Hawaii Wildlife Center, which reported it to the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement and Forestry and Wildlife.

Officials examined the hawk and determined it was injured by a human. Unfortunately, it had to be euthanized because it could no longer feed itself.

The wildlife center said it previously received a tip a week before the hawk was found about a Craigslist posting offering a free hawk, which had similar injuries to the rescued bird.

Officials said it’s unclear if the incidents are related.

“We’ve received several reports in recent years of shootings and other harmful misconduct aimed at Hawaiian hawks,” Raymond McGuire, a wildlife biologist with DOFAW, said. “We can all contribute to the protection of our native ‘io and stop the trend of abuse if we keep our eyes open and speak up.”

In Hawaii, endangered wildlife like the ‘io carries state protections. Hawaii Revised Statutes prohibit the taking of endangered or threatened species, which includes harming, killing, or otherwise disrupting them, officials said.

Any abuse towards wildlife can be reported to the 24-hour DLNR enforcement hotline at (808) 643-3567 or using the DLNRTip app.

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