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1 October 1994 Apparent Fatal Snakebite in Three Hawks
Jens-Ove Heckel, D. Clay Sisson, Charlotte F. Quist
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Based on histories and gross and histologic findings, snakebite was diagnosed in three dead raptors submitted for post-mortem examination from northern Florida and southern Georgia (USA). Two immature red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) were found next to dead and partially eaten venomous snakes. An adult Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii) was found adjacent to a den containing a cotton-mouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) and an eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus). Gross findings in all birds consisted of hemorrhage and gangrenous necrosis of one limb. Severe muscular degeneration was seen histologically.

Heckel, Sisson, and Quist: Apparent Fatal Snakebite in Three Hawks
Jens-Ove Heckel, D. Clay Sisson, and Charlotte F. Quist "Apparent Fatal Snakebite in Three Hawks," Journal of Wildlife Diseases 30(4), 616-619, (1 October 1994). https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-30.4.616
Received: 25 June 1993; Published: 1 October 1994
KEYWORDS
Accipiter cooperii
Agkistrodon piscivorus
Buteo jamaicensis
Cooper's Hawk
Cottonmouth
Crotalus adamanteus
eastern diamondback rattlesnake
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