Animal service officers rescue a hawk

Officers with Fairfax County Animal Services rescued a hawk caught in a batting cage at Pine Ridge Park in Annandale last week. The hawk was distressed and unable to fly away.

“Hawks play a crucial role in maintaining balance in an ecosystem,” the Animal Shelter reported. “Without predation, prey populations would quickly grow out of control, leading to overgrazing of plant life, an increase in invasive species, and overpopulation.”

“Hawks are adaptable and opportunistic feeders, feeding on both live and deceased prey. This scavenging behavior helps keep an ecosystem clean and prevents the spread of disease,” the Animal Shelter states. “Hawks are an essential part of keeping our environment healthy. When they thrive, we thrive!”