From Freedom First Wildlife Rehab

Let’s chat…after several recent incidents, I feel obligated to offer some suggestions when finding injured owls.

Finding an injured owl is a unique and often exciting and overwhelming experience for many people. Owls are experts at hiding injuries and will sometimes go into a passive mode and people are able to carefully pick them up, even holding them without resistance. This is NOT normal owl behavior as they are wild animals and contact with humans causes extreme stress…thus we often see this shut down behavior.

Most people automatically want to comfort the owl but these wild creatures are NOT comforted by you touching them, speaking to them or holding them in the presence of humans. The BEST option for an owl is to place in a well ventilated box or carrier, covered away from humans and pets, dark and quiet until it can be transported to a rehabber. Do NOT transport in your lap!

Sometimes owls will perk up but this does not mean they are ok. Instinct takes over and they may demonstrate fight or flight responses and become very active. DO NOT release them! Their last bit of energy goes into an escape attempt but if they have a severe head injury (indicated by the initial passive behavior), they are not ready to return to the wild and in fact may fly off only to be found deceased later.

Please help us help them by safely containing and contacting your local rehabber as soon as possible. You WILL be asked to transport the owl as wildlife rehabbers do not have the capacity to go out on every call…it’s impossible.

As always, we deeply appreciate your love for these Amazing animals. We always encourage you to be SAFE when helping wildlife especially along roadways! Human safety trumps animals EVERY time!

Also be very aware the wild animals can be dangerous and may attempt to defend themselves as they are unaware you are trying to help. Owls use their TALONS and BEAKS as defense tools. Using heavy gloves and towels is highly recommended!

Thank you for your commitment to our Regional Wildlife.