Do you ever see birds sitting on a wire and wonder how they do not get electrocuted?

Small birds are able to perch on powerlines and not get electric shocks because they are not in contact with the ground or any other conductive element that is in contact with the ground. This means the electricity doesn’t have a complete circuit and would stay in the powerline they are standing on.

When you look at larger birds, such as eagles, they are large enough to create new circuits when they touch a line and other conductive elements, such as a second line or a part of a transformer. This can happen when they try to fly between two wires or when they land or take off from the top of a pole. Transformers also pose another danger when birds try to nest.

Depending on the current of the line, a bird may die on impact, lose limbs, or present with a tiny entry and exit wound. Even if it looks minor, their can be severe vascular damage. This can result in wingtip edema, feather follicle damage, loss of function in the wing tips or feet, and even eventual loss of an extremity. They often have heart arrythmia or may have damage to their internal organs.

An electrocuted Bald Eagle who died on impact.

Treatment

Treating electrical injuries is not an easy task due to damage to the blood vessels from the shock. Sadly, many are killed by the shock it self. However, we have successfully treated and released electrical injuries in raptors and always try when reasonable!

How You Can Help

If you find a raptor that you suspect was electrocuted, please call your local Hydro department so they can make any necessary changes to the safety of the pole. Record the pole numbers if possible.

A hydro company may install are bird diverting triangles to discourage perching between lines and/or add raised perches that allow the birds to perch up above the wires.