Authorities Seek Information after Hawks Shot Near Murtaugh

MURTAUGH, Idaho (AP) — Authorities say two ferruginous hawks illegally shot and left to die in south-central Idaho have been euthanized and authorities are seeking information.

The Times-News reports that a birder spotted the injured raptors Wednesday on farmland south of Murtaugh Lake.

The next day she called a volunteer raptor rehabilitator but an examination found extensive damage to the hawks' wings and they had to be euthanized.

Ferruginous hawks in Idaho are classified as a species of greatest conservation need, and shooting them is illegal under federal and state laws.

Authorities say the annual Christmas Bird Count in the Twin Falls area has counted only 14 ferruginous hawks in the past 35 years.Experts say the hawks shot in the field were likely a mated pair.