Adirondack Patrol Takes Wild Turn After Hawk Gets Stuck in Honda

Red-Tailed Hawk Flies Into Grille of Honda

You truly never know what you'll see—or respond to—in the Adirondacks.

The Lake Placid Police Department shared one of those stories this week that reminds us police work can be just about anything.

Officer Sweeney came across a juvenile red-tailed hawk that had somehow become lodged inside the front grille of a Honda after apparently being struck while the vehicle was traveling on the highway.

How Did it Survive?

Animals are incredibly resilient, and their pain tolerance must be off the charts. Looking at the photos, it's hard to believe the young bird survived the impact at all. Somehow, it remained alive, though tightly wedged in the vehicle's grille.

According to the post, Officer Sweeney carefully freed the hawk, taking his time to avoid causing further injury. Once safely out, the young raptor spent a few moments catching its breath, stretching its wings, and regaining its bearings.

Then Came the Best Part

According to the Lake Placid Police Department, the hawk suddenly took flight and flew away, seemingly no worse for wear after its remarkable ordeal.

The department joked that "bird extraction specialist" wasn't exactly listed in the job description and even suggested Officer Sweeney has earned the nickname "Hawk."

It's a great reminder that in the Adirondacks, officers never know what the next call will bring. One minute it could be a traffic stop, the next it's rescuing one of New York's most magnificent birds of prey.

Kudos to Officer Sweeney for giving this young hawk another chance to soar.

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