LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) Part of the New Mexico State University campus is off limits for pedestrians at least as far as some protective hawks are concerned. According to the Las Cruces Sun-News, five people have visited the Campus Health Center in recent weeks for treatment of injuries suffered when they were struck by diving hawks. Dr. Benjamin Diven says most of the patients had cuts or abrasions on their heads but that one was struck hard enough to have post-concussion symptoms that included dizziness and nausea.
The hawks are parents and they built their nest in a tree outside Rentfrow Gym. Professor Martha Desmond of the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation says the hawks consider pedestrians threats to the birds' offspring.
The university has posted warning signs in the area.
