From Tamarack Wildlife Center

Sharing our spaces with wildlife is not always as simple as it sounds. The reality is that the human world is not perfectly designed with wildlife in mind. Everyday objects and activities can sometimes create unexpected hazards for the animals that live alongside us. Knowing what those hazards are and, just as importantly, knowing what to do when wildlife needs help can make all the difference.

At the end of August, staff at Erie Day School discovered a female Great Horned Owl entangled in a soccer net. Great Horned Owls often hunt for prey in open fields, and when they are flying at night in pursuit of prey, they may not see soccer nets in their path.

Thankfully, the school staff recognized that the owl was in trouble, knew to contact Tamarack Wildlife Center, and arranged for her admission.

Upon arrival, the owl received a full examination, including X-rays. Fortunately, there were no broken bones or serious injuries to her body. However, hitting a net headfirst at a high rate of speed can cause a concussion, and the owl was showing signs of traumatic brain injury. She would need rest, time, and medication to recover.

During her rehabilitation, she received daily anti- inflammatory and pain-relieving medication. She was an exceptionally spirited patient, showing a strong drive to return to the wild as soon as possible.

Once her course of medication was complete and she demonstrated physical fitness, she received a final pre- release examination. With rehabilitation successful, she was ready to return to her home in the wild.

Incidents like this remind us that sharing our communities with wildlife sometimes means being prepared for the unexpected. Knowing what to do and who to contact when a wild animal is in trouble can make all the difference for patients like this owl.