Owl Caught in a Fence

On December 29th, our Raptor Hospital received a call about a Great Horned Owl caught in an electric fence surrounding a chicken coop. While concerning, calls like this are not uncommon. Raptors are skilled hunters, and backyard chickens can unfortunately attract the attention of these powerful birds. 

Thankfully, this owl’s finders acted quickly. They turned off the electric fence and allowed one of our trained volunteers to safely enter their yard, gently untangle the bird, and transport it to our hospital for care. 

Great Horned Owl #27524 arrived promptly and underwent a full intake examination. Our hospital team noted the bird was covered in dry red mud, evidence of its struggle, but fortunately only one significant injury was discovered — a small yet deep cut on the second digit of the right foot. 

Although the wound initially appeared minor, further monitoring revealed it required additional intervention. A few days after intake, our veterinary team sutured the injury closed to ensure proper healing. Over the next several weeks, hospital staff carefully changed the bandage every few days, keeping the wound clean and protected while monitoring complications. 

Thanks to consistent care and close observation, Great Horned Owl #27524 has made steady progress. The next step in this owl’s rehabilitation journey will be flight conditioning — rebuilding strength, stamina, and muscle to prepare for a successful return to the wild. 

While winter patients like #27524 continue healing, our hospital team is preparing for what lies ahead. With spring quickly approaching, baby season is just around the corner. Raptors and other wildlife will soon be nesting and raising their young, and our hospital will begin receiving an influx of calls about orphaned, injured, or displaced babies in need of expert care. 

Each year, our team rehabilitates dozens of young raptors, providing round-the-clock support to ensure they have the best possible chance of survival in the wild. 

Join us for our Baby Shower on March 7th on the Raptor Trail. This special event offers an inside look at our rehabilitation work and highlights how our community can help us prepare for the busy season ahead.