What to Do When You Discover an Injured Owl: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you encounter an injured owl, your immediate actions are crucial to its survival. This guide provides a concise overview of what you should do if you find an injured owl: secure the bird safely, and then promptly contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for expert care.
Understanding the Importance of Immediate Action
Owls are magnificent creatures, but they face numerous threats in our modern world, from vehicle collisions and habitat loss to rodenticide poisoning and entanglement. When an owl is injured, time is of the essence. Quick, informed action significantly increases its chances of recovery and eventual release back into the wild. Simply leaving an injured owl hoping it will recover on its own is almost always a death sentence. Knowing what to do if you find an injured owl can make a life-or-death difference.
Step-by-Step Guide to Handling an Injured Owl
Here’s a breakdown of the critical steps to take when you discover an injured owl:
- Safety First: Your safety is paramount. Injured owls can be frightened and defensive. Wear thick gloves (leather work gloves are ideal) to protect yourself from their sharp talons and beak. If you don’t have gloves, use a thick towel or blanket.
- Secure the Owl: Gently cover the owl completely with the towel or blanket. This will help to calm it and prevent further injury from struggling.
- Containment: Carefully place the owl in a well-ventilated cardboard box or pet carrier. Line the box with a soft towel or newspaper. Ensure the box is secure and has adequate ventilation holes.
- Keep it Quiet and Dark: Place the box in a quiet, dark, and warm location away from pets, children, and loud noises. Minimizing stress is crucial.
- Do Not Offer Food or Water: Injured owls may have internal injuries that could be exacerbated by food or water. Leave feeding to the professionals.
- Contact a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator: This is the most crucial step. Search online for licensed wildlife rehabilitators or wildlife rehabilitation centers in your area. Your state’s wildlife agency or local animal control can also provide contact information. Explain the situation clearly.
- Transport (If Necessary): If the rehabilitator instructs you to transport the owl, follow their instructions carefully. Drive gently and keep the box secured.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Knowing what to do if you find an injured owl also means understanding what not to do. These are some common mistakes people make:
- Handling the Owl Without Protection: This puts you at risk of injury.
- Trying to Treat the Owl Yourself: Owls require specialized care and expertise.
- Keeping the Owl as a Pet: Owls are protected by law and require specific permits to possess. More importantly, they are wild animals that need to be in their natural habitat.
- Delaying Seeking Professional Help: The longer an owl goes without treatment, the lower its chances of survival.
- Releasing the Owl Prematurely: Even if an owl appears to have recovered, it may still need further rehabilitation before it can be safely released. Only release an owl after consulting with a licensed rehabilitator.
The Role of Wildlife Rehabilitators
Wildlife rehabilitators are trained and licensed professionals dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of injured, orphaned, or displaced wildlife. They possess the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to provide the specialized care that injured owls need. This includes:
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Injuries: Rehabilitators can assess the extent of injuries, administer medications, and perform necessary medical procedures.
- Providing Specialized Diets: Owls have specific dietary needs that must be met for proper recovery.
- Creating a Stress-Free Environment: Minimizing stress is crucial for healing.
- Rehabilitation and Release: Rehabilitators work to prepare owls for successful reintegration into the wild. This may involve flight training, hunting practice, and social interaction with other owls.
Understanding Owl Injuries
Injuries to owls can vary greatly. Some common types of injuries include:
- Fractures: Wing fractures are common due to collisions with vehicles or other objects.
- Head Trauma: Head injuries can occur from impacts or falls.
- Eye Injuries: Owls rely heavily on their vision, so eye injuries can be particularly debilitating.
- Entanglement: Owls can become entangled in fences, wires, or other debris.
- Poisoning: Rodenticides are a significant threat to owls, as they can ingest poisoned rodents.
Understanding the potential causes of these injuries highlights the importance of taking preventative measures, such as driving carefully, reducing pesticide use, and ensuring that fences and wires are properly maintained.
Resources for Finding Wildlife Rehabilitators
Several resources can help you find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area:
- State Wildlife Agencies: Contact your state’s wildlife agency for a list of licensed rehabilitators.
- The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA): The NWRA website has a directory of rehabilitators.
- Local Animal Shelters and Veterinary Clinics: These organizations may be able to provide referrals to wildlife rehabilitators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the first thing I should do if I see an injured owl?
Your very first action should be to assess the situation for your own safety. Ensure the area is safe for you to approach, and protect yourself with gloves or a thick towel before attempting to handle the owl. Immediately after, contain the owl and contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Can I give an injured owl water?
No, do not offer an injured owl water or food. The owl may have internal injuries that could be worsened by drinking or eating. Leave feeding and hydration to the professionals.
How can I tell if an owl is injured?
Signs of injury in an owl can include obvious wounds, broken wings, difficulty standing or perching, lethargy, disorientation, or an inability to fly. Even if you are unsure, it’s best to err on the side of caution and contact a rehabilitator.
What kind of box should I use to transport an injured owl?
Use a sturdy cardboard box or a pet carrier. Ensure the box is well-ventilated and lined with a soft material like a towel or newspaper. Make sure the box is appropriately sized so that the owl is unable to move around much within it.
Is it legal to keep an injured owl as a pet?
No, it is illegal to keep an injured owl as a pet without the proper permits, which are very difficult to obtain. Owls are protected by federal and state laws. More importantly, they require specialized care that most people cannot provide.
What do I do if I can’t find a wildlife rehabilitator in my immediate area?
Expand your search radius. Contact neighboring counties or states. You might also consider contacting a veterinarian experienced with birds of prey. Explain your situation and ask for guidance.
How much does it cost to rehabilitate an injured owl?
The cost of rehabilitating an injured owl can vary widely depending on the extent of the injuries and the length of the rehabilitation process. Many rehabilitators operate on a non-profit basis and rely on donations. Consider making a donation to the rehabilitation center to help support their work.
What happens to an owl after it’s been rehabilitated?
Once the owl has fully recovered and is deemed fit for release, it will be released back into its natural habitat, preferably in an area where it was originally found, if safe. Rehabilitators will choose a safe and suitable location for the release.
Can I use the same methods to help other injured birds?
While some of the general principles apply to other injured birds (e.g., safety, containment, contacting a rehabilitator), specific needs can vary. Always seek expert advice before attempting to handle or care for any injured wild animal.
What are the most common threats to owls in the wild?
The most common threats to owls include habitat loss, vehicle collisions, rodenticide poisoning, entanglement in fences and wires, and competition for resources.
How can I help prevent owls from getting injured in the first place?
You can help by driving carefully, reducing pesticide use, keeping cats indoors, properly maintaining fences and wires, and supporting organizations that protect owl habitats. Creating bird-friendly habitats in your yard can also benefit owls.
How quickly do I need to get the owl to a rehabilitator?
As quickly as possible. The longer an owl goes without proper care, the lower its chances of survival. Aim to get the owl to a rehabilitator within 24-48 hours of finding it.