Are Any Hudson Valley Birds Actually Strong Enough to Hunt a Dog?

My wife and I recently did something we'd never thought we'd do: adopt a teeny-tiny, microscopic, infinitesimally small dog from a rescue group in Dutchess County (below).

The adoption part wasn't surprising as both my wife and I had been dreaming about getting another furry companion for months. What we didn't expect, however, was to fall in love with a creature that is almost small enough to fit in our pocket.

Dangers for Small Dogs in the Hudson Valley

Another surprise for us was the list of extra precautions we needed to be aware of that only exists for tiny pets. Our new puppy, who weighed 4.4 pounds when we took him home, was in danger of feet (it's like he tries to get stepped on), falls from couches (he loves parkour), and more. But what about birds?

Are Small Dogs in the Hudson Valley at Risk of a Bird Attack?

Both pets and livestock can be at risk of attack from several wild Hudson Valley animals (remember when that black bear attacked a Hudson, NY donkey?). Birds of prey attacking pets, however, seems more like an urban legend than a substantiated risk... But what about a dog that weighs less than some Hudson River fish?

Why Do Hawks and Eagles Attack Dogs?

While there are recorded instances of hawks and other birds attacking small dogs, wildlife experts say this is most caused by the birds viewing the animals as a threat to their babies rather than a delicious meal (below). Luckily, one bird enthusiast actually did that math to see which birds, if any, would be physically capable of carrying a pet away in their talons. 

Bald Eagles Are Strong Enough to Carry a Small Dog

According to The Bird Almanac, A Guide To Essential Facts and Figures of the World’s Birds, there are several birds of prey that could carry a dog weighing under 10 pounds, but only one that lives in the Hudson Valley: the bald eagle. 

Documented Cases of Bald Eagles Attacking Small Dogs

It is estimated that bald eagles, which weigh between 6.5 and 14 pounds, can carry their own bodyweight in its talons, plenty of strength to carry a 4.4 pound mini-pooch. In fact, there have been several documented cases of bald eagles attempting to carry off small dogs (below).

Keep Your Hudson Valley Dog Safe from an Eagle Attack

While the likelihood of an attack is extremely rare, supervision of your small dog is always recommended when they're outside. Covering your dogs outdoor area can protect them from roving eagle eyes as well, and some pet owners even resort to gearing their pet up with protective clothing.

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It's also worth remembering that the threat to small pets of any kind are most likely on the ground, not the air. Pet owners would be using their time more wisely by securing their yards against foxes, coyotes, and other wild four-legged critters before focusing on unlikely possibility of an attack from the sky.