At HawkWatch International, we love that people are excited about birds of prey. We regularly receive messages from people asking how they can adopt a hawk. Some are looking to support conservation efforts, while others are hoping to welcome a hawk into their lives as a personal companion.
To clear up any confusion: owning a hawk as a pet is not legal, and live raptors cannot be shipped, adopted, or purchased without the proper permits. Birds of prey are wild animals, and federal laws protect them from captivity and exploitation. However, if you are passionate about raptors, there are many legal and ethical ways to work with and support them.
In this article, we’ll answer some common questions about interacting with hawks and point you in the right direction for (ethically) showing your love for birds of prey.
Can You Have a Hawk as a Pet?
No, you cannot.
In the United States, all native birds of prey—including hawks, falcons, eagles, and owls—are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). It is illegal to own, capture, or harm these birds without the appropriate permits. Raptors have specific care requirements that make them unsuitable as pets, even if they are raised in captivity.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Legal Protections
The MBTA is a federal law that protects native bird species from harm, exploitation, and captivity. Under the MBTA, it is illegal to:
- Capture or keep a bird of prey without the proper permits
- Disturb an active nest or collect eggs
- Possess feathers, bones, or any part of a protected bird
Violating the MBTA can result in substantial fines and legal consequences. If you find a raptor feather while hiking, it is best to admire it and leave it where it is.
Why Can’t I Hold or Pet a Hawk?
Many people assume that if they volunteer with raptors, they will have the opportunity to hold or pet them. However, birds of prey are not domesticated and do not enjoy human contact. Unlike dogs or cats, raptors generally value their personal space, even from trained handlers.
Additionally, handling a raptor without proper training can be dangerous. Hawks have sharp talons capable of causing serious injury, and improper handling can stress the bird or damage its feathers. Professional handlers use specialized gear and follow strict protocols to ensure the bird’s well-being.
What to Do if You Find an Injured Hawk
If you encounter a hawk that appears injured or orphaned, do not attempt to care for it yourself. Handling raptors without extensive training can cause harm to both the bird and the person trying to help. Instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who has the training and authorization to provide appropriate care.
To find a rehabilitator, check with:
- Your state’s wildlife agency
- Local raptor rehabilitation centers
- The Animal Help Now website or app
- The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association
If you must handle the bird to get it out of harm’s way, please wear clothing that covers most of your skin as well as gloves and other personal protective equipment to keep yourself safe.
Ways to Work with Birds of Prey
While you can’t own a hawk or interact with birds of prey on your own, there are several structured paths that allow for hands-on experience and support in a legal and responsible way.
Support Raptors Through Symbolic Adoption
If you love raptors and want to contribute to their conservation, our Adopt-a-Hawk program is an excellent way to help. This program allows you to sponsor a wild raptor banded through our research, providing funding for raptor research and conservation efforts, but it does not mean you’ll receive a live hawk.
Become a Licensed Falconer
Falconry is one of the few legal ways to work directly with raptors. However, it is a highly regulated practice that requires years of training and dedication. To become a falconer, you must:
- Pass a written exam on raptor care and falconry regulations
- Obtain state and federal permits
- Have your housing facilities inspected and approved
- Complete a two-year-long apprenticeship under a master falconer
Falconry is a serious commitment that requires specialized knowledge and daily care of the bird. If you are interested, contact your state’s wildlife agency or local falconry association to learn more about specific licensing requirements.
Work in Wildlife Rehabilitation
Wildlife rehabilitators care for injured, sick, or orphaned raptors with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. This work requires proper training and permits, as well as a strong understanding of raptor behavior, medical treatment, and rehabilitation techniques.
If you want to become a licensed rehabilitator, you will need:
- State and federal permits
- Training under an experienced rehabilitator
- Knowledge of raptor handling and veterinary care
Volunteer With a Raptor Conservation Organization
For those who want to be involved with raptors but do not seek a career in falconry, volunteering is a great alternative. Many wildlife centers, raptor rehabilitation programs, and environmental education organizations welcome volunteers to assist with a variety of tasks, including:
- Caring for non-releasable birds that serve as educational ambassadors
- Supporting public outreach and conservation education efforts
- Helping maintain enclosures and preparing food for birds in rehabilitation
At HawkWatch International, volunteers play a key role in conservation by helping with public education, community events, and field research. Learn more about getting involved today!
By respecting legal protections and engaging in conservation efforts, we can ensure that these magnificent birds continue to thrive in the wild. If you would like to help raptors today, consider exploring these opportunities and learning more about how you can support their future.
HawkWatch International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raptor research and conservation. We strive to conserve our environment through education, long-term monitoring, and scientific research on raptors as indicators of ecosystem health. Whether through donations, volunteer opportunities, or simply spreading the word, your involvement can make a difference in preserving our natural world. Support our work today, help protect these incredible birds, and ensure that future generations can enjoy the thrill of hawkwatching!
