Our team is preparing to release a successfully rehabilitated a Great Horned Owl that was rescued on May 18th after being entangled in a barbed wire fence. This owl’s journey back to health highlights the dangers of barbed wire for wildlife, especially owls, and the dedicated care needed to treat such injuries. Over a four-month period, our team provided extensive rehabilitation, allowing the owl to fully recover and return to the wild.
The Dangers of Barbed Wire for Wildlife
Barbed wire poses a significant threat to owls and other nocturnal animals, as they have difficulty seeing thin obstacles like netting and wire in low light. When birds become entangled, their struggle to escape often worsens their injuries, leading to damage to muscles, feathers, and tendons. Barbed wire injuries are a common issue at Carolina Raptor Center; we have treated 329 wild raptors for these types of injuries.
In this case, the Great Horned Owl— Patient 26210—was lucky to be discovered by a community member who quickly cut away the wire, likely saving the bird’s life. Upon arrival at our center, the owl was found to have extensive soft tissue damage to both wings, particularly the patagium, the thin, elastic skin that stretches from shoulder to wrist. The patagium is essential for flight as it provides lift, and without a fully functional patagium, sustaining flight wouldn’t be possible.
The Rehabilitation Process
Patagial injuries are complex and challenging to treat, as improper healing can cause scarring and limit wing mobility. Our Raptor Hospital team removed the barbed wire prongs, cleaned the wounds, and bandaged both wings. The owl was also given fluids, antibiotics, and pain medication to stabilize its condition before undergoing surgery.
Our veterinarian, Dr. Antonia Gardner, performed multiple surgeries to repair the damaged patagial tendon and surrounding tissue. Altogether, the owl required 139 days of rehabilitation, including bandage changes, physical therapy, and constant monitoring to ensure proper healing. Scar tissue formation was carefully managed, and physical therapy helped the owl regain strength and mobility.
Throughout the process, our team provided supportive care, adjusting treatments as needed to ensure the owl had the best chance of returning to flight. The owl’s total cost of care amounted to $5,490.80, covering medical supplies, surgeries, physical therapy, and daily care.
Patient 26210’s recovery was a long and delicate process, but thanks to the expertise and dedication of our team, the owl has fully healed and regained its ability to fly. The success of this rehabilitation demonstrates the importance of specialized care for wildlife injuries caused by barbed wire, as well as the value of community involvement in rescuing animals in distress.
Prevent Barbed Wire Injuries in Wildlife
While this owl’s story has a happy ending, many animals are not as fortunate. Barbed wire continues to pose a threat to wildlife, but there are steps you can take to help prevent injuries in your area:
- Monitor barbed wire fences in your community and report any wildlife entanglements.
- Increase the visibility of fences by adding flags, fence tape, or even plastic bags to make them more noticeable to wildlife.
- Replace barbed wire with safer alternatives like smooth wire where possible.
- Remove unused or old barbed wire to reduce the risk of animals becoming entangled.
Support Wildlife Rehabilitation Efforts
At Carolina Raptor Center, we are committed to rehabilitating injured raptors and returning them to the wild. The story of this Great Horned Owl is just one example of the critical work we do to save wildlife from injuries caused by man-made hazards like barbed wire. Your support helps us continue this mission and provide care to animals in need.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can help protect wildlife or support our rehabilitation efforts, explore the Support section of our website or make a donation now. Together, we can make a difference for these magnificent birds and keep our skies filled with healthy raptors.