Hawk Bubba rescued after theft from SoFi Stadium

Inglewood, California, marked the location of a daring theft during a Rams game on September 28 when two Harris's hawks, named Bubba and Alice, were taken. The birds were stolen alongside the utility vehicle they were housed in, illustrating a shocking breach of security at the venue. The UTV was located shortly after, abandoned about five miles from the stadium, but the hawks remained missing. Days passed without a trace until a good Samaritan spotted Bubba in a backyard in Hacienda Heights, approximately 30 miles away from the stadium. Following this lead, Inglewood police responded and successfully reunited the hawk with its falconer owner, Charles Cogger, raising hopes for the recovery of Alice, who is 20 years old and still unaccounted for. Police have requested public assistance in seeking information that might lead to Alice’s recovery, including a description of the suspect who took the birds. A reward of $1,000 has been offered for tips that lead to the arrest of the individual responsible for this theft. Cogger employed the hawks for bird abatement at SoFi Stadium, a role vital in keeping other birds away from the crowds. Officials emphasized the need for better securing of equipment to prevent such incidents in the future, as this theft could have been a calculated effort to utilize the birds for other purposes. The case highlights the risks associated with wildlife management and the importance of ensuring animals are kept safe in public venues.