Hawk released to wild in Lafayette

LAFAYETTE, Ind (WLFI) - A red-tailed hawk that was one of the three removed from Purdue University's campus in May was released into the wild Thursday morning.

The six-month-old hawk was raised at the Wildcat Wildlife Center where it learned how to fly and hunt. 

This hawk was released in hopes of taking the niche left by another hawk who recently passed away. In early November, a hawk was killed when it hit a building while hunting prey off County Road 350 South.

The hawk was released Thursday in the same area . Wildcat Wildife Center director Carol Blacketer said all three hawks taken from the Purdue campus have gone to release sites. 

"We're hoping that the parents are still here and we're hoping that they finish off what we've started this summer. We have done everything for the hawks that we can possibly do.  It's time for them to get out and learn how to be a wild hawk," Blacketer said.

Blacketer said about 10% of red-tailed hawks survive in the wild, but she is optimistic that this hawk will adapt to its new surroundings.