No, You Don’t Need To Worry About This Pet-Targeting Myth

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If something or someone informs us of something we need to be worried about, it's imperative that the information given is indeed accurate and factual.

But, in recent years, a viral Facebook post has led to countless cases of fear-mongering false information, targeted at Montanans, spreading across the state. And, frankly, we're getting sick of it.

Let's break down the false claim: what it tells you that you need to be worried about, and what you actually need to be worried about.

The Myth Spreading Across Montana

From Billings to Bozeman, Facebook timelines across Montana have been invaded by a frightening narrative: hawks soaring through the Big Sky, talons ready to carry off your chihuahua or tabby cat into the clouds.

Viral posts, often paired with dramatic photos and exclamation-heavy captions, warn pet owners to keep your eyes to the sky!

But here’s the kicker: it’s all wildly exaggerated—or downright false.

While birds of prey are majestic, they’re not tiny-pet abductors. So why do so many Montanans believe they are?

The Birth of a Bird-Brained Myth

Like many modern myths, this one hatched from the internet.

Posts claiming hawks can carry off animals as heavy as 60 pounds have been circulating since at least 2016, often with no credible source attached.

One particularly viral image shows a hawk clutching a large dog, but the image has undoubtedly been digitally altered.

Still, the idea took flight—especially in places like Montana, where rural living and outdoor pets are the norm.

According to a USA Today fact-check, hawks can generally lift only 1-2 pounds.

That’s less than your average housecat and nowhere near the size of your beloved corgi.

Bald eagles, with more power, still max out at around 4-5 pounds of lift.

In short: if your pet could ride shotgun in a truck, it’s not in danger from the sky.

Fear-mongering or Misguided Concern?

Montanans aren’t gullible, but they are protective, especially when it comes to their animals.

In a state where pets are often family, even the slightest threat can trigger a protective instinct.

And that’s exactly what these false posts prey on. They’re not just wrong—they're designed to manipulate emotion, using terrifying imagery and pseudo-science to stoke panic and engagement.

The real danger isn’t the hawk, it’s the algorithm. Social media platforms reward high shares and emotional responses, meaning that fear-based content spreads like wildfire.

Montanans sharing these posts aren’t to blame. They’re being psychologically gamed by a system designed to keep them scrolling.

The Real Threats to Your Pets

While hawks aren’t carrying off your pets, there are real risks to outdoor animals in Montana.

Coyotes, mountain lions, and even stray dogs pose far more realistic threats. Cars, extreme weather, and poisons like antifreeze are also common dangers.

If we’re going to sound the alarm, let’s do it about issues backed by facts—not bird myths born in a meme factory.

What You Can Do Instead of Panicking

• Fact-check before sharing: If it sounds sensational, it probably is. Sites like Snopes, PolitiFact, and USA Today’s fact-checking wing exist for a reason.

• Protect your pets smartly: Keep small pets indoors at night, use fencing, and supervise them during outdoor play—not because of hawks, but because nature is still wild in Montana.

• Report misinformation: Most platforms now allow users to flag fake content. Use that feature. It may not fix the system, but it fights back against the noise.

Remember:

Montanans take pride in their grit, independence, and common sense—but even the sharpest among us can be misled by the right mix of fear and fake news.

The hawk myth is just one of many examples of how misinformation takes hold, particularly when it plays to our protective instincts.

It’s time to stop letting viral hoaxes take us for a ride. Look up, admire the hawks—but leave the paranoia grounded.