A hawk is recovering at Animis Foundation, an animal sanctuary in Ocala, after rescuers say the bird was shot with a pellet rifle.
- Red-shouldered hawk shot out of tree last month
- Hawk and babies rescued and taken to Animis Foundation
- Hawk may not fly again
The red-shouldered hawk was found on the ground last month at Lillian Bryant Park.
Rescuers say a family who lives nearby saw two young men shoot the hawk out of a tree, leaving its two young babies stranded high up in a nest.
Authorities were called out and utility crews had to use a bucket truck to get to the chicks. Rescuers say they will fully recover, but the hawk may not.
"Hopefully, we're keeping our fingers crossed that she'll be able to fly again and if not, we're hoping that we can find a home in a raptor facility where she can live out her life,” said Mark Quadrozzi with the Animis Foundation.
Ocala police say there have been no arrests.