Rescued Red-Shouldered Hawk Released Back Into The Wild: Watch

NOVATO, CA – A red-shouldered hawk rescued earlier this week by firefighters was released back into the wild Thursday in Novato.

The hawk was found tangled up in fishing or kite line and dangling from a tree Monday in a bank parking lot. Firefighters from the Novato Fire Protection District rescued the bird, which was then transferred to Marin Humane.

An officer from Marin Humane took the bird to WildCare's Wildlife Hospital in San Rafael, where staff stabilized the bird and removed the remaining monofilament line from his wing, according to Alison Hermance of WildCare.

"We were worried he might have additional injuries from dangling so long, but X-rays showed no fractures and an exam indicated no other wounds," Hermance said.

Prior to being released, the hawk had a successful "test flight" in WildCare's aviary Thursday afternoon that proved the bird was healthy and ready to return to the wild. WildCare staff returned the hawk to his home territory near the Chase bank on Grant Avenue.

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Image via Novato Fire Protection District