From Northern River Wildlife Hospital

Recently, we had the pleasure of treating this male Greater Sooty Owl.

Sooty was found on a driveway unable to stand, with clenched claws and his head flexed backwards. After a thorough examination, our veterinary team found no external or internal injuries and noted that he was in good body condition. The cause was identified as an engorged paralysis tick located beneath his eye.

Sooty was admitted for treatment, which included IV fluids, pain relief and tick antiserum. Within 24 hours, he was standing and showing aggression toward us. A 100% improvement!

After a few days in hospital care, Sooty was cleared for release and successfully returned to the location where he was found.

This is a fantastic outcome for a species listed as vulnerable in NSW.

While animals can become paralyzed and ultimately die from the neurotoxin if left untreated, it usually just causes itching or numbness in humans.