I had the most exciting closeup view of a raptor attack while driving on Turnpike Road between the 101 freeway and Cathedral Oaks Road this afternoon. This isn’t exactly out in the country, but both predator and prey have learned to make a living here in town.

Ahead of me and right beside the road I saw a hawk make a sudden dive and pounce on a squirrel just two feet off the side of the road. The necessary savagery of the food chain was in full display as long, sharp talons dug into flesh and the bird spread its impressive wings over the squirrel to give it no visible escape path should it tear away from those deadly talons.

Muscles rippled as critters grappled, shrieks of triumph and desperation were loud and clear. At once it was awful, wonderful and awe-inspiring. It was over quickly.

I had slowed way down because the fight may have ended up on the road and I sure didn’t want to run them both over. The kill was over by the time I passed them, in just a few seconds of time, which I was measuring in heartbeats.

The hawk won that one and I’m sure it ate well. I’ve seen it go the other way, with a squirrel or other small critter making a quick move and getting under cover before the hawk can sink its talons into flesh.

The incident reminded me of some aspects of the lives we lead. Sometimes we’re the hawk and sometimes we are the squirrel. I was on my way home from the grocery store at the time and it made me think …

I hunt and fish and feel good about providing meat for my family that is so much fresher than anything I can find in the grocery store. Plus, when I hunt or fish, I’m taking a critter that has lived and eaten well on the land or in the sea, instead of feeding my family a feed lot-reared animal or farmed fish that has been fed all the chemicals allowed by law.

I must admit though that I’m glad I have the option of going to the grocery store, instead of hunting and killing every single meal.

— Capt. David Bacon operates WaveWalker Charters and is president of SOFTIN Inc., a nonprofit organization providing seafaring opportunities for those in need. Visit softininc.blogspot.com to learn more about the organization and how you can help. Click here to read previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.