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Officials: Hawk involved in attacks has neurological issues

Posted at 12:31 AM, Aug 09, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-09 01:31:47-04

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) – Connecticut environmental officials say a hawk that attacked people may have been suffering from neurological issues related to West Nile virus.

The Advocate reports Environmental Conservation Police captured the juvenile red-tailed hawk Tuesday in Bridgeport after it injured at least two people. It was taken to a bird rehabilitation facility in Weston.

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection spokesman Chris Collibbe says it appears the bird was suffering from “some sort of neurological issues.” Collibbe says it’s possible the health issues were caused by West Nile virus.

Experts say raptors are susceptible to the virus.

Mosquitoes with West Nile virus have been found this year in: Bethany, Bridgeport, Darien, Easton, Franklin, Greenwich, Hartford, Madison, New Canaan, New Haven, Stamford, Stratford, Waterbury, Waterford, West Haven and Weston.

Information from: The Advocate, http://www.stamfordadvocate.com

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