APS is committed to providing you with safe, reliable electric service while maintaining a healthy environment. Part of that commitment is our protection of wildlife throughout the Southwest.
High-risk indicators
If you have a concern
Complying with federal laws and regulations
Partnerships with the community
Stewardship
How you can help
Raptors
The Southwestern landscape, with its diverse ecosystem and vast open spaces, would not be complete without its raptors, such as majestic hawks and soaring eagles. Raptors, or birds of prey, include eagles, hawks, falcons and owls, as well as carrion-eating vultures and condors.
Raptors are an important and valued biological resource and have been recognized for their position at the top of the food chain. They help maintain ecological balance and are sensitive indicators of the health of the environment.
The APS Wildlife Protection Program is designed to minimize the danger of energized lines for birds of prey and a variety of mammals. Raptors are drawn to power poles because they offer a high place to perch, roost, nest, hunt and provide shade on a sunny day. However, the large wing spans of raptors make them vulnerable to being hurt by the electricity being carried on the power lines. Small birds and mammals are also in danger, but less so.
The most common raptors affected in APS territory are Harris' Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks and Great Horned Owls.
By insulating electrical equipment, APS also increases safety for members of the cat family, raccoons and other wildlife whose curiosity and foraging habits draw them to climb power poles and other electrical facilities.
The APS Wildlife Protection Program serves not only to protect birds and other animals, but also improves reliability for our valued customers.
To protect wildlife, APS modifies its equipment in specific areas:
- Customized perches can be installed to accommodate Harris’ Hawks, which perch and hunt in groups rather than alone.
- "Bird guard" covers are installed on electrical equipment located on poles in high raptor use areas.
- Covered wire is used for all new pole-mounted electrical equipment.
- Avian-safe techniques are employed in both the modification of existing structures and in the construction of new facilities when circumstances indicate they are necessary.
Harris’ Hawks are dark brown with brick red on the wings and leggings with white on the tail that form a white rump patch. Harris’ Hawks are found primarily from Argentina north through Central America and Mexico to the southwestern United States.
These birds are unique to raptors, in that during mating season, they come together to form groups of as many as 18 birds. This social behavior is most highly developed in Arizona.
Harris’ Hawks prey on a variety of mammals, birds and reptiles, ranging in size from small lizards to jackrabbits. Cooperative hunting is another part of the Harris’ Hawks’ complex social structure.
Red-tail Hawks have a wide breeding range from Central America to Alaska. Red-tails eat a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, birds, and even grasshoppers.
The Great Horned Owl is Arizona’s largest owl. It is a classic owl in appearance, with a large, heavy body, striking eyes and conspicuous ear tufts. They are generally grayish in color with undertones of bluff in the wings and tail.
Great Horned Owls inhabit most of North, Central and South America and are common in most of Arizona. Their diet is based on what is available and may include a variety of rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles.
High-risk Indicators
Raptors and other animals are at risk when their wings, body parts or nesting materials connect between two electrical components of an electrical system. Large species and immature raptors are most at risk and wet weather also presents an unsafe environment.
Common high-incident geography:
- Poles/substations located in raptor habitat
- Poles located on highest ground
- Poles/substations where few opportunities to roost are available
- Areas near good feeding grounds (landfills, water, farmland, etc.)
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If you have a concern
- Call APS at (602) 371-7171 in the Phoenix area or (800) 253-9405 elsewhere, to report incidents on APS lines or substations
- Reports are directed to the Wildlife Protection coordinator and to the appropriate APS departments
- Field technicians investigate calls and convey possible corrective actions to the APS dispatch center
If you encounter any injured wildlife, do not pick it up. The sharp talons and beaks that make raptors such successful hunters can do serious harm. Instead, contact Liberty Wildlife located at 11825 N. 70th Place, Scottsdale. Report injured birds at (480) 998-5550 or (480) 998-0230 for non-emergencies. Or call APS or any licensed wildlife rehabilitation organization.
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Complying with federal laws and regulations
A variety of laws and regulations protect raptors and all migratory birds.
Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918
Under the Migratory Bird Treat Act of 1918, it is illegal to kill, injure, capture, possess, buy, sell, trade or ship any migratory bird. This law covers all migratory birds and their parts (including eggs, nests, body parts and feathers.)
Exceptions to this law are permitted by special permits issued by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
Endangered Species Act of 1973
Like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Endangered Species Act makes it a crime to take, possess, sell and transport any endangered species. The Act also provides for rewards to anyone who furnishes information leading to the conviction for violation of the Act.
Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940
The Bald Eagle Protection Act protects bald and golden eagles by making it illegal to take, possess or sell bald eagles.
Partnerships with the community
APS recognizes the importance of collaborating and cooperating with the community and the many wildlife conservation and preservation organizations. To that end, we:
- Actively seek public input regarding the location of raptor habitats and problem poles
- Work closely with wildlife rehabilitation centers to assess and address issues
- Assist in planning and conducting Arizona Game and Fish-supported workshops.
- Support and participate in video production projects to increase awareness of protecting wildlife around electrical equipment
- Assist wildlife rehabilitation organizations through financial and volunteer contributions
- Present a variety of educational programs for wildlife rehabilitators, school groups and other electric utilities
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Stewardship
We support habitat enhancement, conservation, preservation and rehabilitation efforts. Recently we:
- Installed nesting platforms for Ospreys near Mormon Lake (near Flagstaff, Arizona) and Morgan Lake (near Farmington, New Mexico)
- Installed Kestrel boxes in a variety of areas throughout Arizona
- Eradicated Salt Bush in the Cibola Wildlife Refuge (Salt Bush is an exotic plant that has taken over native ecosystems and habitats.)
- Donated to the Nature Conservancy and the Condor Project
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How you can help
Notify APS if you see a bird of prey or other animal regularly using an APS power pole or substation in your neighborhood. One of our trained field technicians will determine what protective actions should be taken. Call (602) 371-7171 in the Phoenix area, or (800) 253-9405.
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