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Last updated on Tuesday, November 1, 2011
(BROWN COUNTY) - A hawk in the care of the Indiana Raptor Center is missing, after an equipment failure during a public program.
The adult female Harris Hawk escaped Oct. 22 during a program the IRC was conducting at the amphitheater at the Nature Center in Brown County State Park.
The hawk is about 22 inches long and dark brown overall with rust colored wing patches and bright white tail tips. The hawk also has a small leg band.
"Abby," as the hawk is known to its handlers, escaped when the connection to both leather bracelets on its legs broke at the same time, leaving it free to fly from the leash.
"It (an equipment failure) happens at least once in the life of anyone who handles birds," explained Laura Edmonds, master falconer at IRC.
The bird is nonreleasable due to several missing toes, Edmonds said, and is held under an education permit because of this condition.
The hawk is protected by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Indiana DNR, Edmonds said.
"Do not attempt to catch or feed her, as this will likely spook her away," she said.
A reward is being offered for information leading to the safe recovery of the hawk. If you see it, call 988-8990 or (812) 340-3893, day or night.
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