SOUTHWEST FLORIDA – Multiple native birds were admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida for gunshot wounds over the past few weeks.

According to a press release, a red-shouldered hawk, a red-tailed hawk and a great blue heron were all shot by guns.

The red-tailed hawk was the only animal that survived.

These native birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Harming a bird on purpose, its nest, or eggs is illegal.

Shooting the two species of hawks and the great blue heron breaks both state and federal laws.

The press release states there is never a legal hunting season for hawks and herons. 

The hospital states that 67 animals have been admitted to the hospital within the past few weeks.

Another animal, a turkey vulture, was hit by a car and showed signs of neurological damage. It was later revealed that the bird had been shot with a BB gun. One of the BBs fractured the vulture’s right leg. 

The animal was skinny and dull but responsive. It was weak when standing and had a lack of stability in the left shoulder.

Even after a treatment plan from the hospital, the vulture died.

A turkey vulture and a broad-winged hawk, three ospreys, a great blue heron, a northern parula, a yellow-rumped warbler, a common gallinule, a fox squirrel and a gopher tortoise, were some of the animals admitted. 

The animal was skinny and dull, but responsive. It was weak when standing, and had lack of stability in the left shoulder.

Even after a treatment plan from the hospital, the vulture died.