Community Blog

The Hawaiian Hawk: Recent Tragedy and Urgent Call to Protect ʻIo

In May 2025, a Hawaiian hawk was found in the Mountain View area of Hawaiʻi Island, severely emaciated and missing the upper portion of its beak. Wildlife professionals determined the injury was human-caused, with the bird being unable to feed itself and ultimately euthanized. The Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center previously received a tip referencing a Craigslist post offering a free hawk in that same community—photos showed a striking similarity in feather, eye, and cere coloration. Although the posted bird still had an intact beak and the post was later deleted, investigators have not confirmed any direct link between the two cases. Wildlife officials emphasize that illegal shootings and animal abuse against the ʻIo have occurred in recent years, and they urge the public to report suspicious activity immediately. The state’s wildlife laws prohibit harming protected species like the Hawaiian hawk, and anyone who witnesses possible abuse is encouraged to contact the DLNR enforcement hotline at 808‑643‑3567 or use the DLNRTip app.