Raptor Strike Avoidance Program
The Raptor Strike Avoidance Program (RSAP) is just one of many programs at SEA that helps reduce or eliminate the features that draw wildlife to the airport, protecting both passengers and wildlife.
RSAP has been in operation since June 2001, and was one of the first in U.S. airports aiming to reduce the number of birds that pose a risk to aircraft as well as human and avian life. Each year the Port traps and relocates nearly 100 raptors, or birds of prey, contributing to the airport’s wildlife management efforts for safe aircraft operation and safe homes for raptors.
How are raptors trapped?
SEA operates five to ten Swedish Goshawk traps strategically located around the airfield perimeter. Their design, which dates back several centuries, allows for humane live-capture of many species of raptors including Bald Eagles. Trained wildlife airport responders are alerted via a satellite trap alerting system to allow quick removal of the trapped bird. Some raptor species, such as Red-tailed Hawks and American Kestrels, are actively trapped with Bal-Chatri and bow nets.
Safe removal, release, and tracking
Responders remove captured raptors by hand to avoid harming the bird. Once in hand, raptors are carefully hooded, placed in a kennel, and tagged for tracking and to prepare for release about 70 miles north of the Airport in Skagit County. Birds are then released in suitable habitat per State and Federal permit authorizations. All raptors trapped at SEA are outfitted with Federal U.S. Geological Survey aluminum leg bands under a Master Banding Permit. Red-Tailed Hawks and Bald Eagles may also receive blue or yellow patagial [wing] tag markers or blue visible identification (VID) bands.
Between 2001 and 2026, more than 2,400 raptors have been successfully relocated from SEA.
Learn more about raptor strike avoidance: "Raptor Strike Avoidance at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: A Biological Approach"
