Portsmouth man charged with shooting nearly 80 hawks to protect squirrels

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A Rhode Island Man is charged with violating the Migratory Bird Act, having allegedly shot, injured and killed red-tailed and Cooper hawks around his property to protect squirrels.

Officials allege that between October 1, 2018 and April 18 of 2021, 64-year-old Robert Ferreira of Portsmouth used a pellet gun to shoot hawks in his backyard.

Officials further allege that he shot an estimated 50 to 80 hawks, which he believed were a threat to squirrels who visited feeders on his property.

According to court documents, on various dates, neighbors of Ferreira reported hearing popping sounds from his home and finding eight injured and dead hawks on or near his property.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects certain birds, including the red-tailed hawk and cooper hawk and forbids hunting, capturing or killing the birds unless authorized by permit.

Ferreira faces a misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to six months in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

He is due in court on Oct. 12.