The Death Zone
As published in A Peek at the Peak, September 2000 issue, updated June 2015
by Susan Kantro
The Death Zone: Part One. A Cry for Help – Published June 13, 2015
The Death Zone: Part Two. Senseless Deaths – Published June 13, 2015
Part Three. How You Can Help
A Peek at the Peak, September 2000, Cover
If you see a dead bird of prey by a utility pole or have a strong suspicion that it might have been an electrocuted bird, or if you have found raptors in the past that you think may have been electrocuted, it is extremely important that you immediately contact Robert Romero of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Law Enforcement Division at (480) 967-7900. They need location information of deaths, even if the incident has occurred in the past.
If the raptors are alive and injured, contact Wild At Heart, the local raptor rehabilitation center, at (480) 595-5047 for the bird’s rescue. Visit Website
Regarding raptor electrocutions, if the power pole on your property has not been raptor-protected by APS (raptor perches are installed an havd/or live wires are capped/insulated), please contact Jennifer Moore, APS Natural Resource Specialist, at 480-446-0228. Special wooden perches then can be attached to the tops of the poles where birds of prey frequently land, especially if you live in an area near sufficient feeding grounds for the raptors, i.e., along a wash. Many have been put in place already. If your power pole is located near a known raptor nesting site, and/or has a transformer attached, it is even more imperative that you contact Ms. Moore. APS will install these raptor perches on a case-by-case basis as a free service for APS customers.
APS is trying to resolve the raptor electrocution problems that their lines and transformers are causing in our area. APS and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service both need public input regarding the location of raptor habitats and problem poles.
It’s time we act on behalf of these raptors with whom we share this land. We all need to do our part to help the wildlife living in our natural areas to at least have a chance at survival. We live in a very special area and open land is becoming more and more scarce as development encroaches. Please give these wonderful creatures a chance to live.
Related Articles
The Death Zone: Part One. A Cry for Help – Published June 13, 2015
The Death Zone: Part Two. Senseless Deaths – Published June 13, 2015
About the Author
Susan Kantro, and artist and bird lover, has lived in Cave Creek for almost twenty years. Born in Washington, D.C., she moved here from New Orleans and was thrilled and amazed to see Great Horned Owls and other birds of prey from her backyard. She has distributed original brochures to local vet offices and feed stores for the last two decades informing the public how they can help these magnificent creatures survive. Susan Kantro can be reached at susan_k@q.com.
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