My sister, who is pregnant, was walking today on our road in Shelton, CT, when a hawk aggressively landed on her head before flying away. Just a few weeks ago, my neighbor was similarly attacked, resulting in scalp injuries and scabs. With two young children to care for, I am genuinely concerned about their safety and my own when we're outdoors in our neighborhood.

Since April 2024, hawks have been nesting in a tree above a house on my road (White Oak Rd) and in that time, there have been numerous attacks. Four people have been attacked this year alone, with at least two of them sustaining visible injuries. Despite these incidents, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has refused to relocate the nest, citing that hawks are a protected species and the situation should resolve in "a few more weeks," aligning with the end of the hawk mating season, April through June. DEEP has specifically told me on the phone that I must wear a hat and attach a balloon to it if I want to avoid a hawk attack. 

However, the presence of these hawks and their history of aggression mean that many residents feel unsafe in our own community. The fact that such incidents persist year-on-year highlights the urgent need for action. While the police department has also refrained from intervening, there must be measures to ensure the safety of residents, particularly vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children.

Suggesting that we coexist without preventive measures under these circumstances is neither practical nor safe. An emergency protocol must be discussed and initiated for situations like this, where human safety is at risk due to wildlife actions. This might include temporarily relocating the nest to a more remote location until the young hawks have matured, thereby alleviating the danger to local residents.

Please consider signing this petition to urge the DEEP and local authorities to reconsider their stance and look into safe and humane solutions that protect both the wildlife and the residents of Shelton, CT. Together, we can find a balanced solution that respects the environment while prioritizing human safety.