Dear Cathy,
Pickles weighs 13 pounds, and my husband recently declared, with great seriousness, that a hawk could swoop down and carry him off. He says he’s seen hawks grab squirrels before. Now I’m too nervous to let Pickles outside alone for even five seconds. I’m picturing the scene from The Wizard of Oz, except instead of flying monkeys, it’s birds of prey—and instead of Toto, it’s Pickles. Is this a real threat? Should I be worried? – Marjorie in McAllen
Dear Marjorie,
You’re not alone. Many people with small dogs, cats, puppies, or kittens have stood in the yard, squinting suspiciously at overhead birds circling like they’re scouting for snacks.
Here’s the reassuring news: according to bird experts, it’s nearly impossible for a hawk, eagle, or other bird of prey to lift anything over 10 pounds. Most of their meals consist of lightweight items like mice, small birds, and occasionally a squirrel who zigged when he should’ve zagged.
At 13 pounds, Pickles is well outside the takeout range for your average hawk. Think of him more as a “too much effort” entrée. So yes, he’s safe from being airlifted by local raptors.
That said, your husband isn’t entirely wrong. There have been occasional reports of hawks swooping low out of curiosity or making an attempt on small pets, especially in spring when they’re extra territorial and hungry. But in most cases, the hawk realizes mid-grab that it can’t lift the animal and quickly abandons the mission.
If you’re still uneasy, here are a few simple ways to keep Pickles safely grounded:
- Supervise outdoor time. This helps prevent any unexpected encounters with other wildlife and ensures your dog stays safe from potential hazards in the yard.
- Use a leash or covered playpen. A small dog on a lead is far less appealing to any bird with ambitious dreams and limited upper body strength.
- Limit attractants. Bird feeders, compost, or scattered pet food can draw in rodents and other small animals, which in turn attract hawks. Keep your yard tidy to discourage unwanted visitors.
Also—and this is important—don’t relocate Pickles to the Philippines. That’s where the Philippine eagle lives, also known as the monkey-eating eagle (yes, really).
When it was first discovered, early reports noted the bird hunted monkeys, which led to the nickname. While it occasionally preys on monkeys, the Philippine eagle has a more varied diet that includes flying lemurs, snakes, birds, and small mammals. The name stuck for years, even though it’s now more commonly referred to as the Philippine eagle. It’s the national bird of the Philippines and is one of the largest — and most critically endangered — eagles in the world.
So rest easy, Marjorie. Let Pickles enjoy his lawn sniffing and squirrel diplomacy without fear of flight. Keep an eye out, of course, but there’s no need for panic. And tell your husband he gets points for his wildlife awareness.
