Animal and technical rescue teams called to trapped hawk

Animal rescue crews from Poole, along with an appliance from Sturminster Newton were called to a very unusual incident on Monday April 11, when a Harris Hawk, called Storm, had become entangled by its tethers approximately 30 feet up a tree. The hawk's owner called the service after not being able to reach the bird himself. District Commander for Poole and Hamworthy, Group Manager Phil Allen told FIRE: "Having escaped from its owner, Storm became trapped in the tree because its 8 foot leash became wrapped around a branch at the outer edge of the tree. It quickly became apparent that anyone tempted to rescue the bird would have put themselves in extreme danger, not only because of the height but because of the thinness and unpredictable strength of the
branches. Our technical rescue and animal rescue team were able to install a safe working system using ropes and harnesses which ensured the safety of the firefighter undertaking the rescue. Having ascended the tree the firefighter was able to use a pole to unwrap the leash and Storm flew away. Storm was last seen in another nearby tree, but luckily not trapped - his owner is confident that he'll be able to coax Storm down once he gets hungry."

Posted: 15.24pm, 12.04.11