Electric power poles deadly to raptors

There is some half a million miles of electric distribution lines in the U.S. supported by several millionpoles. When a raptor lands on one of these lines, it is usually a fatal grasp.

What happens is that the raptors electrocute themselves when they touch two live wires, or a ground wire or uninsulated transformer and a live wire. The wider the species' wingspan, the more likely the landing will be fatal.

"Eagles comprise some 70-90 percent of all mortalities, and buteo hawks (redtails, broad-wings, etc.) most of the rest," reports Wildlife Conservation Magazine. "Immature birds, which land more clumsily than adults, are often zapped."

The poles most likely to be killer ones are those positioned on high terrains overlooking populations of rabbits, squirrels, and other live prey.

Killer poles may be made safe for raptors with wooden perches 14 inches to 16 inches above live wires or by placing inverted v-shaped perch guards close to conductors. This would discourage raptors from landing on them.

When you find a dead raptor under an electrical pole, record the pole number and location and then report it to your state game and fish department or your local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office.

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