A Sticky Situation: Rescuing a Barred Owl from a Glue Trap

Patient #26993 was discovered on a porch in Concord, unable to fly and with an injured wing. The cause? A glue trap meant for rodents.

This owl had likely spotted an easy meal – a mouse caught in the sticky trap – but became ensnared in the adhesive itself. In the wild, Barred Owls are skilled nocturnal hunters, using stealth and precision to keep rodent populations in check. Unfortunately, in this case, human intervention was needed.

Treatment and Recovery

When Patient #26993 arrived, our Raptor Hospital team quickly got to work. The owl’s feathers were matted with glue, and soft tissue wounds on one wing required immediate attention. To remove the adhesive, staff used warmed canola oil to work out the glue from the feathers, followed by a bath with dish soap. After removing the glue, staff used a blow dryer to restore insulation and function to the feathers. The wing wounds were also cleaned and treated to prevent infection.

Thanks to quick intervention and specialized care, the owl is recovering well under close observation. The team is hopeful for a full recovery and eventual release back into the wild, where they can once again serve as a vital part of their ecosystem.

The Problem with Glue Traps

While glue traps are marketed as simple pest control solutions, they often do more harm than good. These sticky traps do not discriminate—Owls, songbirds, snakes, lizards, and even pets can fall victim. Animals that become trapped suffer immense stress, injury, and sometimes death. Worse still, these traps don’t solve the root causes of rodent problems—they merely shift the danger onto unsuspecting wildlife.

Globally, awareness of animal welfare concerns posed by glue traps is growing. Several countries have already banned them, and many more are considering similar legislation.

Better Solutions for Rodent Control

Wildlife-friendly pest control is not just possible, it’s effective! If you’re facing a rodent issue, consider safer alternatives that reduce harm to wildlife:

• Live-catch traps – Allow for safe relocation when used responsibly.
• Snap traps – Designed for a quick and humane kill, reducing prolonged suffering.
• Electronic deterrents and natural repellents – Non-lethal and increasingly effective.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – Focuses on long-term prevention through sanitation, exclusion, and habitat modification.

By switching to humane and targeted control methods, you help protect wildlife like Patient #26993 from unnecessary harm!

How You Can Help

The total cost of care, including medical treatment, cleaning, and ongoing observation, is a substantial expense for our Raptor Hospital. Your support allows us to continue this critical work!

Donate today to help us treat injured raptors, educate the public, and promote safer practices for people and wildlife alike.