Air Force Falcon mascot injured in army farce, but improving

The Hawk mascot live from the Air Force would improve after being wounded by a joke by West Point cadets during the football match between the Air Force and the Army.

Details, from KKTV of Colorado Springs:

WEST POINT, N.Y. (KKTV / The Gazette) – The beloved white mascot of the Air Force Academy's beloved gyrfalcon made tremendous progress on Sunday morning after being seriously injured, leaving hope for the academy to recover.

"Aurora went home last night and was able to fly around her paddock this morning. She will meet with a specialist later today who will determine if x-rays are needed, but that's a very good sign. We will continue to evaluate and administer antibiotics to prevent an infection. We are grateful for the surge of support and optimism for Aurora's recovery, "Lt. Col. Tracy Bunko said in a statement Sunday afternoon.

Academy officials feared the worst after the 22-year-old mascot injured while visiting West Point on Air Force / Army Week. Deputy Sports Director Troy Garnhart told 11 News that Aurora was "in a bad state" and that she feared her injuries would put her life in danger and would force the academy to # 39; euthanize.

The mascot, a white gyrfalcon named Aurora, was taken by army cadets. According to the Colorado Springs Gazette, the Air Force retains more than one live mascot, guarded at the academy and with a designated guardian on his travels. On Saturday, Aurora was taken to an army colonel and taken back to Colorado, according to the Gazette.

While the hawk was in West Point's care, he was wounded in both wings. Because of its age, it may be necessary to euthanize it, reports The Gazette. According to the Teton Raptor Center, gyrfalcons can live up to 25 years in captivity.

Lieutenant-Colonel Tracy Bunko, spokesman for the Academy, told The Gazette:

"USAFA's mascot, Aurora, was injured this weekend and is brought back to Colorado. We have academia specialists who have the best training and the best facilities for his care. She is part of the family of our academy and we all hope that she will recover quickly and fully. "

The mascot has already disappeared. That was the case at Independence Bowl in 2010, and more recently in a match last season. But this is the first time in a long time that we meet one of the birds of the Air Force. Unfortunately, he had bad results, but the mascot will recover completely.