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.
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1 October 1994
Apparent Fatal Snakebite in Three Hawks
Jens-Ove Heckel,
D. Clay Sisson,
Charlotte F. Quist
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Vol. 30 • No. 4
October 1994
Vol. 30 • No. 4
October 1994
Accipiter cooperii
Agkistrodon piscivorus
Buteo jamaicensis
Cooper's Hawk
Cottonmouth
Crotalus adamanteus
eastern diamondback rattlesnake