Why should dangerous quarry be avoided?

• A. It may injure the hawk
• B. It attracts predators
• C. It is illegal
• D. It is difficult to catch

Answer: (A)

The safety and welfare of the hawk is the main concern. Dangerous quarry can injure the bird during pursuit, grasp, or while carrying the catch. Sharp quills, venomous bites, or the size and struggle of such prey can cause puncture wounds, broken feathers, damaged beak or eyes, or strain to the wing. An injury not only harms the hawk, but can sideline it from hunting and require veterinary care. So avoiding quarry that could harm the bird protects the hawk’s health and training progress. Other issues like attracting predators, legality, or difficulty to catch can matter in other ways, but they don’t address the primary risk to the raptor’s safety.