Injured owl who to call: Steps to Take
Injured owl who to call: There are over 200 owl species. They are birds of prey that hunt silently, has great eyesight, and hearing. Owls symbolize death and therefore some cultures consider them evil. It is a myth that owls are bad luck and omens of death. On the other hand, there are cultures that see them as symbols of wisdom.
If you find an injured owl, it’s essential to handle the situation carefully and ensure the bird gets professional help.
Steps to Take:
- Assess the Situation from a Distance:
- Observe the owl without approaching too closely to avoid further stress or injury.
- Look for signs of injury like bleeding, broken wings, or inability to fly.
- Call a Local Wildlife Rehabilitation Center or Rescue:
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers: These professionals are trained to handle injured birds of prey like owls.
- Animal Control: In some areas, local animal control can assist with wildlife rescue.
- Bird Rescue Organizations: Specific bird or raptor rescue organizations are well-equipped to deal with owls and other injured birds.
- Secure the Owl if Necessary:
- If the owl is in immediate danger (e.g., near a road or predator), you can try to safely contain it while waiting for help:
- Wear thick gloves (preferably leather) to protect yourself from talons.
- Gently place a towel or blanket over the owl to calm it.
- Place it in a well-ventilated box lined with a towel or soft material.
- Keep the owl in a quiet, dark place until professional help arrives. Avoid giving food or water.
- If the owl is in immediate danger (e.g., near a road or predator), you can try to safely contain it while waiting for help:
- Transporting to a Vet or Rescue:
- If a wildlife rehabilitator or rescue asks you to bring the owl in, transport it in the box, keeping it as calm as possible.
- Always drive carefully to prevent the owl from being jolted or stressed.
Injured owl who to call:
- Local Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: These centers specialize in treating injured wild animals.
- Raptor Rehabilitation Centers: They focus specifically on birds of prey like owls.
- Veterinarians with Wildlife Expertise: Some veterinarians may have experience with wildlife and can offer advice or initial treatment.
- National Wildlife Hotline: In some regions, you can contact wildlife rescue hotlines to get directed to local resources.
Make sure not to try treating the owl on your own. Owls, especially those injured, can be dangerous due to their sharp talons and beaks.
Some reasons owls sometimes need a helping hand:
Superstitious beliefs from many cultures lead to persecution.
Some owls are not wise nest builders and build their nests in unsuitable places. This can lead to chicks falling out of the nest.
Owls often get stuck inside chimneys or buildings.
They also get sick or injured.
Owls get caught in sports nets at night and fly into windows.
Owls eat poisoned rats and mice.
Injured owl who to call: The best organization for owls in South Africa to call is the Owl Rescue Centre at 082 719 5463
Here is more contact information: https://www.owlrescuecentre.org.za/Contact/
The Owl Rescue Centre, rescue, rehabilitate and release. They also have many projects, including a owl house project, rat trap project, Plastic Recycling project and spekboom project.
They cover the whole country and also rescue other species of birds. They flew down to Cradock to rescue 50 egrets. Many such amazing stories can be read on their Facebook page and group.
Owl Rescue Centre – rescue video. While I was working on the next edition, I clicked on this video, and there you go, our best video of 2020.
The Owl Rescues Centre features in every Standard edition. You can download all editions on our website.
Injured owl who to call: Do you have a owl rescue story or wish to share anything with us? Then please leave a comment.
