5 Birds Missing After Break-In at Marysville Falconry Facility

Authorities searching for escaped birds, including a large African black eagle

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:39pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken bird tracking device against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the security breach at the Marysville falconry facility.The intentional release of captive-bred birds raises concerns about public safety and the need for stronger security measures at wildlife facilities.Marysville Today

A Yuba County falconry facility, West Coast Falconry, reported that someone broke into the property overnight and intentionally released nearly a dozen birds from their enclosures. While most of the birds have since been recovered, five remain missing, including an African black eagle, a barn owl, a great horned owl, a peregrine falcon, and a dark morph red-tailed hawk.

Why it matters

The escaped birds were bred in captivity and are not capable of surviving on their own in the wild. Their release poses a risk to public safety, as the birds may behave differently from native species and could potentially harm themselves or others. The incident also raises concerns about security at the facility and the need for stronger measures to protect captive wildlife.

The details

According to officials, the break-in occurred on Thursday night, when someone cut off the birds' tracking gear and forced them out of their enclosures. West Coast Falconry said the birds are imprinted on people and may not behave like wild birds. Authorities, including the Yuba County Sheriff's Office, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and federal wildlife officials, have been notified and are assisting in the search efforts.

  • The break-in occurred on Thursday night, April 17, 2026.
  • Most of the birds have since been recovered, but five remain missing as of April 18, 2026.

The players

West Coast Falconry

A Yuba County falconry facility that reported the break-in and the release of the birds.

Yuba County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency assisting in the search and investigation.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

The state agency responsible for wildlife management and conservation, also involved in the search efforts.

Federal wildlife officials

Federal authorities assisting in the response to the incident.

African black eagle

One of the five birds still missing, described as a large black bird with an estimated six-foot wingspan and white markings on its back.

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What they’re saying

“The escaped birds were bred in captivity and are not capable of surviving on their own in the wild. Their release poses a risk to public safety, as the birds may behave differently from native species and could potentially harm themselves or others.”

— West Coast Falconry, Facility staff

What’s next

Authorities continue to search for the five missing birds, and the Yuba County Sheriff's Office is investigating the break-in and the intentional release of the birds.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of proper security measures and oversight for facilities that house captive wildlife, as well as the potential risks to public safety when such animals are released into the wild unexpectedly. It also underscores the need for greater awareness and education about the unique behaviors and vulnerabilities of captive-bred birds compared to their wild counterparts.