04/06/2025
Spring is in the air, and with it comes a busy season at MRCC’s Raptor Hospital. We've already admitted 69 raptors in 2025. As the season progresses, raptor chicks will begin to hatch and fledge, leading to a surge in calls about young birds found out of their nests.
🦉When to Intervene:
-If the baby raptor is visibly injured (broken wing, bleeding, etc.).
-If it is in immediate danger (busy road, cat, dog, predators, etc.).
-If you are certain the parents are deceased and have not been tending to the young bird for an extended period of time.
🦉What to Do:
-Call MRCC immediately at 406.585.1211.
-DO NOT FEED THE RAPTOR. They have very specific dietary needs, and improper feeding can cause serious harm both physically and mentally. Young birds, if fed by humans, can imprint. An imprint raptor loses its natural fear of humans which can lead to dangerous interactions. Once a raptor imprints you cannot reverse it.
-If intervention is necessary, gently place the raptor in a crate or cardboard box lined with soft material.
-Keep the box in a safe, quiet, and dark area until MRCC is able to arrive or if you are able to help transport the bird to the raptor center.