County officials are searching for an adult male red-tailed hawk that went missing from Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods. | Provided Photo

The Lake County Forest Preserves is asking the public for help in locating an injured hawk that has been missing after its home was vandalized in Riverwoods.

Environmental educators from the Lake County Forest Preserves said the red-tailed hawk has been missing after its home was vandalized at Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods.

The hawk, used for educational programming, is not releasable into the wild.

It will not survive because of a left-wing injury that affects his flight, according to the Lake County Forest Preserves.

“The hawk could be anywhere,” Director of Education Nan Buckardt said. “Our staff has completed thorough searches at Ryerson, so we need assistance looking beyond at the forest preserve.”

The adult male hawk has a drooping left wing when perched.

His right hind digit is also impaired and he was last seen wearing leather anklets and straps that dangle below his feet.

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He could be found perched on the lower branches of a tree.

The hawk serves as an educational ambassador to the Lake County Forest Preserves.

“An important part of our team is now missing. We hope the public is able to assist in finding him before it’s too late,” Buckardt said.

The Forest Preserves says they have permits and skills to care for the federally protected hawk, which requires human assistance in gathering food.

Residents who have information about the hawk are encouraged to call the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 847-549-5200 and ask to speak with a ranger.