Eastern Screech-Owls and Car Collisions

In just two weeks, the Carolina Raptor Center has taken in four Eastern Screech-Owls with serious eye injuries, all likely caused by car collisions. Eye trauma in owls is unfortunately common, as these small but fierce raptors are vulnerable to blunt impacts when they cross paths with moving vehicles. With shorter days and longer nights in fall and winter, owls begin hunting earlier—just as more people are driving home—making roadside injuries a frequent hazard.

Eastern Screech-Owls Are at High Risk for Eye Injuries

Eastern Screech-Owls’ enormous eyes are specially adapted to help them hunt in low light. In fact, their eyes are so large that they make up about 5% of their body weight! This impressive adaptation lets owls see well at night, but it also makes them more prone to eye injuries than many other birds of prey. Their large, exposed eyes can sustain various injuries, from retinal damage to inflammation and corneal lesions, when impacted.

Each rescued owl at our Raptor Hospital undergoes a comprehensive eye exam to assess the extent of their injuries and guide their treatment. Our team of wildlife veterinarians diagnosed all four of these Eastern Screech-Owls with chorioretinitis, an inflammation at the back of the eye. To reduce inflammation, they’re receiving special anti-inflammatory medications, both orally and directly in their eyes. Once the inflammation subsides, these owls can begin their path to recovery and, eventually, return to the wild.

How You Can Help Protect Owls from Roadside Injuries

Want to help keep owls and other raptors safe from car collisions? Here are a few simple ways you can make a difference:

Avoid throwing food scraps or litter out of car windows. Even natural items like apple cores or banana peels attract small animals to the roadside, which in turn draws owls and other predators, increasing the risk of vehicle-related injuries.
Drive with extra caution at dawn and dusk. These are peak hunting times for owls, so reducing speed in areas with high wildlife activity can help prevent accidents.

Support Our Work and Keep Owls Safe
Each owl’s treatment comes with significant costs. To date, care for these four screech owls has totaled $4,297, covering everything from exams and medication to daily care by our dedicated staff. Your support can make a big difference in helping us provide the specialized care these owls need for a full recovery and safe release.