Still freaking out!!!!!

[SarahB19]

Hi everyone! I have written about this before, but I'm still freaking out about all the hawks in my area. I have read a ton of horror stories about Yorkies being carried off by large birds.... I saw one sitting in my tree just watching us when I had my dogs out yesterday...so I called the North Carolina Raptor center! I talked to a woman (who owns a 4lb Yorkie) that works there, and then a Dr. who works there! They both assured me that I have NOTHING to worry about! They said it was impossible for a hawk to pick up a 5lb Yorkie! Physically IMPOSSIBLE!!

They said they will dive at dogs and people to protect their nest, but the only birds in my area that were capable of picking up my dog were Bald Eagles or Great Horned Owls. I argued with them for half an hour, telling them about all the stories on here, and the Dr. finally got a little perturbed with me, and told me how tired he is of having to deal with these rumors all the time!!

He told me to take my dogs out... let them play... and enjoy them while they are outside!!! Said I have NOTHING to worry about!

What do you think? Has anyone actually seen a hawk pick up a Yorkie or just heard about it. My little guy HATES being on a leash the whole time! HATES IT!!!! I know he is not getting enough exercise! This Dr. said it's impossible!!!

AHHHHHHH!!!!! Help!!!!!

[Britster]

I've heard lots of stories and if I remember correctly, they can pick up to 8-10lbs. If you have a fenced in yard, I don't think you should
keep him leashed all the time. Give him freedom but just make sure you're out back too and watching carefully.

[nanahas3]

I had a hawk swoop down and try to pick up our 3lb yorkie but thank God I was there in time. When I looked it all up on line the forestry website I went to said a hawk can pick up twice its own weight. Even if the can't carry a larger yorkie they can attempt to pick them up and rip them with their talons

[mistyblue]

We had a large hawk try to grab our little Yorkie years ago. She weighed about 4 lbs, we were out in the yard and a hawk swooped down and tried to grab my Misty but only managed to flip her over, had some nasty scratches to deal with but she was ok. So who knows, I prefer to err on the side of caution these days.

You might try setting up an outdoor kennel with a roof or tarp. That seems safer if they don't like the leash. Good luck.

[citygirl]

I hate to disagree but I have a 6pound yorkie and we had a hawk in the yard eyeing him. I mentioned this to the vet a few weeks ago and the vets says they can pick them up. I am very careful when I take my guys outside.