The Raptor Center is calling for local sports facilities to remove or secure soccer nets when they are not in use. Recent incidents show that owls and other birds of prey often become tangled in the netting during evening hours. These structures pose a significant risk to wildlife that frequent athletic fields in search of prey.
Wildlife experts indicate that the mesh of these nets is nearly invisible to raptors diving at high speeds. When birds strike the nets, their talons catch and hold them in place. This leads to severe injury or starvation if rescuers do not find them in time. Removing the nets or rolling them up at the end of the day is a direct solution that prevents these accidents.
Athletic directors and groundskeepers have a practical way to protect the local ecosystem by making minor changes to their maintenance routines. The Raptor Center maintains that public safety and wildlife conservation can coexist with small operational adjustments. Field managers are encouraged to check for birds before securing the nets or to store them in enclosed containers after practice sessions conclude.
Community members are also asked to keep an eye out for birds trapped in netting near public parks. If you find a raptor in distress, do not attempt to cut the bird free yourself. Contact the appropriate wildlife rescue authorities immediately, as these animals carry sharp talons and require professional handling. Working together on these protocols will decrease the number of unnecessary rescues required each season.