HURRICANE, W.Va. (WOWK) — Officers in Hurricane had quite the swoop Wednesday morning.

An officer was flagged down Wednesday morning by a woman claiming to have a hawk in her car. She then told the officer she found the injured bird on Hurricane Creek Road and took it under her own wing, placing it into her vehicle.

The red-tailed hawk was found Wednesday morning on the side of Hurricane Creek Road. Photo credit: Mike Mullins

The red-tailed hawk was then transported to the police station, where the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources was notified. A biologist for the DNR took a look at the bird and concluded he likely suffered a concussion.

Police Chief Mike Mullins says it was likely hit in everyday traffic.

“The biologist came and said it looked like it may have ran into a car, and it had a concussion,” he said.

The sudden increase in cicadas could explain it, according to the biologist. These animals, especially owls, will dive onto roadways to get a snack, putting themselves in harm’s way.

Mullins said community members should report injured animals to the authorities and proceed with caution if handling them. Wednesday’s good Samaritan used gloves to relocate the bird.

“Picking up an owl or an injured raptor, you can get hurt,” he said. “Report it to the local authorities or DNR.”

The biologist is confident that the hawk will fly again within the next few days, after the appropriate evaluation and treatment.