From Raven Ridge Wildlife Center

We received an urgent call about a magnificent brown owl stranded in the middle of a field during harvest. Despite the farmer’s best efforts, they couldn’t stop the big tractor, but they managed to carefully place the distressed owl in a blueberry box. Our dedicated volunteer easily located the box in the vast field and swiftly brought the owl to our center, where we discovered a severe broken wing. Thanks to the incredible support from Companion Animal Hospital, Dr. Parsons promptly conducted X-rays, revealing the severity of the injury. Although the road ahead is tough, we are determined to give this beautiful owl a fighting chance through an upcoming surgery with the skilled hands of Dr. Libby and Dr. Parsons on Tuesday. Your hope and prayers mean the world to us as we strive to save this precious endangered owl.

The short-eared owl population in Pennsylvania is on a rapid decline. Estimating their numbers is challenging, but it’s believed that their population is dwindling by more than 10% each year. These captivating creatures are endangered in Pennsylvania due to the alarming loss of their natural habitat. Designated as endangered in 1985, the short-eared owl remains on the state’s endangered species list due to its limited distribution and dwindling breeding population.

In Pennsylvania, the encroachment of development and modern agricultural practices has drastically diminished the open spaces vital for the survival of short-eared owls. These elusive owls are often spotted during winter in farnmlands and wetlands, captivating observers with their graceful hunting at dawn, dusk, and midday in open fields and strip mines.