Rare falcon caught: The first Peregrine falcon has been trapped in Tennessee in more than 50 years.
The falcon was legally caught on the banks of the Mississippi River by a Carroll County resident. Tennessee was awarded one permit by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to allow the trapping of one Peregrine falcon in selected West Tennessee counties.
Peregrine falcons were the primary bird used in falconry hunting in the 1800’s. The population of the birds fell, but has been restored through state and federal conservation efforts and are now deemed sufficient enough to allow some to be caught and used in falconry.
The West Tennessee falcon was netted after being lured in with an animal-like lure.
It has been named “Belle,” and its owner plans to train it as a hunting bird.
Prior to the Tennessee catch, another Peregrine was trapped in Arkansas.
The falcons weigh about two pounds and have a wingspan of up to 47 inches. They can reach speeds of 200 mph during their high-speed dive for prey.
The Peregrine’s range extends from the Arctic tundra to the tropics.
Except for the one permit that granted, it is against the law to capture or kill any other Peregrine falcon, or any other bird of prey such as hawks, eagles and owls.
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