What must the department do if the owner of a captured raptor cannot be located?

When the owner of a captured raptor cannot be located, the department must determine the disposition of the raptor. This means that the department is responsible for assessing the bird’s situation and what will happen next, taking into account legal considerations, animal welfare, and conservation practices. This process might involve evaluating whether the raptor can be safely returned to its natural habitat, if it should be placed in a rehabilitation program, or if a different course of action is necessary, depending on the condition of the bird and the circumstances of its capture.

This approach ensures that each raptor is treated with care and that its needs are prioritized according to wildlife management protocols and ethical guidelines. It also reflects the agency’s responsibility to manage wildlife populations sustainably and to ensure that any actions taken are in compliance with local, state, and federal laws regarding protected species.