There's a warning for parents and pet owners across our First Coast: there are new reports of hawks swooping down on small animals more than usual on the East Coast.
Hawks are predatory animals, so swooping down and snatching animals to feed on is what they do year round. Still, wildlife experts do say you could see them on the hunt even more this time of year.
"Oh yes, you see them daily flying around," Jacksonville resident Betty Hodges said.
Betty Hodges says a hawk even landed on her rooftop.
"He happened to be eyeing some kittens we had in the backyard so then I had to take up the kittens and put them in a secure place," Hodges said.
A post on the social media app Next Door warned people that hawks seemed to be out in force on the East Coast going after small animals.
First Coast News asked Karen Parker with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about it.
"During this time of year, I would definitely maintain the supervision over my pets," Parker said.
Parker said this time of year is mating season.
"The birds are mating, they're building their nests, they're having young, this time of year they really do get territorial," Parker said.
Like a true papa and mama bird, Parker said they won't want to let you anywhere near their babies.
"They dive at people that get too close to the nest, even if it's a dog or a ca, if the animal get too close they may view as a threat to the nest," Parker said.
Parker said hawks could also be preying on smaller animals more to feed their young.
"Rodents, small mammals, or puppies and kittens could definitely be preyed upon," Parker said.
Parker says the best way to protect your small pets is to never let them roam freely and keep animal attractants out of your yard," Parker said.
"Get rid of your bird feeders, unsecured garbage, fallen bird seed and pet food," she said. "These are common attractants that may entice the predator onto your property."
Parker says mating season lasts from now until summer. She said if you or your animal does get a cut or scrape from a hawk or any predatory bird, she definitely recommends seeking medical attention.