Raptor interactions with overhead electrical systems have the potential to negatively affect individual birds, species, and populations, primarily in the form of electrocutions and collisions. This Conservation Letter provides a scientific review of these interactions and concludes by highlighting lessons learned and potential solutions. This letter is not intended as an exhaustive literature review. Rather, the intent of the Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) is to provide readers with enough evidence-based examples that readers can appreciate the scope and prevalence of raptor interactions with overhead electrical systems, and understand the potential effects on raptor species and populations as well as the challenges associated with addressing these effects across regions.
Raptors can be electrocuted (killed by electric current) or incur electric shock injuries (Dwyer 2006) when simultaneously contacting two uninsulated energized components of differing electric potential (phase-to-phase electrocution), or when contacting an uninsulated energized component and a path to ground...