Raptor Protection Program
Keeping birds and animals safe from electrical hazards is an ongoing challenge. Animals are creative and inconsistent in how they interact with electrical facilities. TEP has taken significant steps to protect wildlife from electrical equipment, a task that requires continuous effort and innovation. Customers and community members can help us in several ways:
- Immediately report any raptor nest sites, injured or dead raptors to TEP Customer Care, (520) 623-7711 (You may also leave a message at Arizona Game & Fish, 1 800 352-0700 but the information relay may be delayed). A University of Arizona biology consultant, in partnership with TEP, will do a site assessment to identify raptor activity and potential risks to raptor nesting and roosting areas. TEP crews will make appropriate modifications to the energized equipment to reduce risk to wildlife. Click here to view birdguard diagrams.
- For more information about raptors may we suggest: For environmental education program for your class or organization you can try Pima County Enviromental Education Team at (520) 615-7955 or education@pima.gov. Also, Tucson Audubon Society, (520) 622-2230 or www.tucsonaudubon.org offers eco tours. Arizona Sonora Desert Museum offers the Raptor Free Flight Program October - April, www.desertmuseum.org/visit/events_freeflights.php.
Research conducted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the University of Arizona over the last decade indicates that the Harris Hawk population is increasing in the urban Tucson area. However, the hawks' nesting and hunting habits expose them to greater risk of electrocution than other raptors. James Dwyer, a University of Arizona Biological Studies graduate student working under the direction of Dr. Bill Mannon, is in the second year of a four-year raptor electrocution study. This research is vital to improving the process of raptor protection by assessing the effectiveness of different birdguard materials.
Thanks to study data, community support, customer communication and TEP fieldwork, efforts to reduce raptor electrocutions are showing positive results. Continuing public involvement in wildlife education, nest surveys and equipment research is appreciated.
