TOMS RIVER – After extensive efforts and consultation with avian experts, Ocean County Library believes the hawk has left the Toms River Branch.

The hawk found its way into the building late Monday, October 24. The library consulted  with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, who recommended avian experts to  determine a method of safe rescue and removal.

As a safety precaution, Library officials temporarily closed the Branch while the avian  experts set humane traps and facilities staffers searched crawl spaces above ceilings for  clues to the bird’s whereabouts.

On Friday morning, after a thorough search and extensive efforts, the library is hopeful that all of the efforts taken to keep the hawk safe and assist it in exiting the building were  successful. Hawks were seen flying around the library building yesterday evening and this  morning.