Think Wild, Central Oregon’s wildlife hospital and conservation center, recently rescued a juvenile American goshawk after the bird became entangled in netting in a chicken coop. American goshawks are a Species of Greatest Concern in Oregon and are known for their size and aggressive hunting behaviors. The raptor sustained severe injuries requiring surgical intervention but is now on the path to recovery under the care of Think Wild’s wildlife rehabilitation team.
On February 20, 2025, Think Wild received a call regarding an entangled raptor in a chicken coop in the Sunriver area. The rescuer found an American goshawk trapped in netting, having sustained a self-inflicted wound on their left wing while attempting to escape. Upon intake at Think Wild, staff found significant signs of trauma, including a full-thickness laceration on the left wing patagium, suspected frostbite on the left fourth digit, bruising and swelling on the left radius and ulna, and laxity in the left wing. The bird was also mildly dehydrated and exhibited early signs of bumblefoot. Immediate care included pain management, antibiotics, and fluid therapy. The primary wound was treated with Manuka honey and hydrogel before being stabilized with a wing wrap.
Despite initial improvements, by February 28, the goshawk had lost significant weight (dropping from 800g to 700g), and their injuries showed limited healing progress. Veterinary assessment revealed a 3cm laceration near the left humerus with bone exposure, necessitating surgical intervention.
Dr. Laura Acevedo, Think Wild’s veterinarian, led the procedure on March 1, 2025. “These types of injuries are sometimes difficult to assess without sedation or anesthesia – they are often more extensive than they initially seem. The surgery identified a much larger wound than initially thought with bone exposure, but the procedure went uneventfully. So long as the skin heals, and this bird does not have any sustained nerve damage, we expect a full recovery to release,” said Dr. Acevedo.
The surgery involved thorough wound cleaning and closure via sutures. The goshawk will receive weekly physical therapy until suture removal, continued antibiotics and pain management, and strict weight monitoring to support recovery.
The American goshawk (Accipiter gentilis atricapillus), the largest and most powerful of the accipiter species in North America, is known for its broad, rounded wings and long tail. Females can reach nearly the size of a red-tailed hawk, while males are slightly larger than a Cooper’s hawk. Adults display a striking dark gray coloration with a distinctive white eyebrow stripe and red-orange eyes. These birds are skilled, stealthy hunters, navigating dense forests with agility to capture their prey. Previously referred to as the Northern goshawk, the species is now recognized as two separate subspecies: the American goshawk and Eurasian goshawk.
In Oregon, American goshawks primarily inhabit large tracts of coniferous and mixed forests. Due to habitat loss and other environmental pressures, the species has been designated as a “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” in the latest draft of the Oregon Statewide Action Plan, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts for these raptors.
The rescued goshawk remains under close observation at Think Wild’s rehabilitation facility. While their prognosis is promising, ongoing care and monitoring will determine whether the bird regains full strength for release back into the wild. Think Wild encourages the public to take precautions with poultry netting and outdoor structures to prevent similar incidents involving wildlife.
