Caught in a Net

Information Contributed by Raymond Noll, Director of Animal Control Field Services 

Hawks are known for their keen vision, intelligence, and hunting skills, so the Washington Humane Society (WHS) had to ask themselves, “What was this Cooper’s Hawk hunting when he became caught in a net outside the fifth floor of a building?”

The protective bird netting surrounding this Pennsylvania Avenue building’s upper floors was meant to keep pigeons from nesting in the columns and coves. The netting, however, became this hawk’s torment on January 9, 2013, when he became trapped within the net's confines. 

When Director of Animal Control Field Services Raymond Noll responded to the call, he determined that the only way to free the hawk was to cut an opening in the netting. Securing permission from the building's management, he sat in a fifth story window and was able to cut an escape hole, but just as he did, the hawk became frightened and flew to another end of the netting. The hawk now required a second rescue, this time from the sixth floor.

As the saga continued, Director Noll used his quick thinking and resourcefulness to carefully cut a second hole using a box cutter secured to a painters pole, and the hawk whisked back to his original location. With assistance from Animal Control Sergeant Ted Deppner, a massive pole was constructed to attempt to safely capture the hawk from the ground level.

Finally, the hawk set himself free through the second hole. Flying free over 12^th Avenue NW, the hawk appeared to be moving normally and unharmed.

“Based on my training and experience, the hawk’s flight pattern was not compromised, and I believe he will make a full recovery from this incident,” said Director Noll. 

Visit our website for information on local wildlife and tips for coexisting peacefully with our wildlife neighbors.  

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