A hawk trapped under a backyard pool cover in Tampa was freed last week by a Hillsborough County deputy who then coaxed the bird back into the air. The Cool Down reports that the deputy responded after a homeowner called about a hawk that had gotten stuck beneath the heavy cover, its talons tangled in the fabric. I read the account from The Cool Down, which included video footage of the short but careful rescue.
The deputy cut a slit in the pool cover to free the hawk, then waited nearby until the bird recovered enough to fly away on its own. The incident illustrates how ordinary backyard features can become hazards for wildlife moving through suburban neighborhoods. In Florida, where hawks and other raptors are common, a swimming pool cover, decorative netting or a tight fence gap can trap birds if they land on or near it.
What this means for Florida homeowners
A hawk stuck in a pool cover is not a typical call, but the scenario is a reminder that open pools, uncovered at night or left with a loose cover, can attract animals that see the water or the surface as a landing spot. If you find a trapped bird in your yard, do not attempt to free it yourself, especially a hawk’s talons and beak can inflict serious injury. Instead, contact your local sheriff’s office non-emergency line or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, both of whom can safely handle the removal.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the deputy received no injuries and that the hawk flew off under its own power after the rescue. The Cool Down has the full story and the video of the operation.
The notice is published by The Cool Down at www.thecooldown.com.
