Deterring a red-tailed hawk

[rlp]

How would one go about deterring a red-tailed hawk from predating in a residential setting? Specifically, the area is suburban -- houses, a play area, a small park. The bird seemed brazen, unafraid of humans, and a threat not only to small native animals but possibly small dogs (even a dog being walked on a leash). There are areas more wild not far off; it seemed this bird thought the location was extremely easy and without any type of potential danger (fox, pack of coyote, e.g.) due to the area's humanized nature. Advice, please?

[The Bird Nuts]

Maybe call the Department of Fish and Wildlife and ask them?  Wild birds are protected, so I don't think there is much you can do other than stay near your dog when it's outside.  I don't blame you for wanting to protect your dog -- I am a dog lover and would hate to lose my dog to a hawk.

[Aaron]

I wouldn’t worry about the hawks effect on small native animals as the hawk itself is native. Their prey have adaptations to not get eaten, and even when they do it’s beneficial to the ecosystem as a whole. Most of its prey are ‘pest’ animals so without the hawk and other predators keeping their numbers in check, they could seriously overpopulate and negatively effect the environment.

Red-tails are adaptive birds and he is probably there as there is ample food sources whether that be mice or squirrels or whatever that often come with human habitation. I don’t feel that removing the bird would solve the issue at all as that would just provide an opportunity for a new predator to occupy the area. Plus, it’s not the birds fault that its habitat has been taken over by development. 
 

Don’t think there is much you can do except be cautious with your pets... I have a miniature dachshund and have to be careful to watch out for bobcats when letting her out and great horned owls, but can’t really do much but make sure none are in the yard when she’s out.

Perhaps try to limit bird feeders and other sources that attract its prey? 

[The Bird Nuts]

Yes, completely agree with @Aaron that it's a good thing it is a "threat to small native animals."  I was more responding to your first question in the other thread about it almost going for a small dog.  It is rare for a Red-tailed to take a dog or cat, but it does happen, so it is good to learn what you can and can't do to a wild bird when protecting your pets.

Edited December 5, 2020 by The Bird Nuts