by 
Thommy
ANSWERS: 5
-
Only the smallest of dogs. A hawk can only carry a third of its own body weight and since a hawk only weighs between 4 and 6lbs, very few dogs are left in that category.
-
Doesn't stop them from trying though, regardless of what they can actually carry... I've seen a bald eagle drown from greed- trying to take too big a salmon. They flap their wings on the water franticly [like paddles] while trying to reach the shore. If they get a good grip, the talons are 'locked' in, and they can't let go.
-
here is a pic of a red tail.
-
Even though it can't carry something doesn't mean it won't hunt it. A Red Tailed Hawk will kill and eat right where it lands. I've seen them eat rabbits and squirrles. If your dog is small it is potential prey.
-
They can and do hunt small dogs and cats. Owls will also. A red tail hawk actually got my friends 13 lb yorkie in his talons and into the air, but then dropped him. He had severe puncture wounds from the talons, a fractured rib from the drop, as well as a lacerated liver. He almost died, but with $1000 of emergency surgery to remove most of his liver he has recovered. I will not leave my mini dachshunds out without my large dogs with them for this very reason. A client of mine had one dive for his miniature poodle, but his two dobermans ran toward it and it left. There's one that routinely soars over my house and around our neighborhood. He swooped down and got a squirrel Thursdy and that was with two goldens annoucing his event. Never leave small dogs or cats out alone. These are birds of prey and they will prey. They do not know the difference in a rabbit, small dog, kitten or squirrel - just that it is a potential meal. This is in Charleston, SC
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC