Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Barred Owl

This Barred Owl was one of several recent patients admitted to our hospital after becoming entangled in discarded fishing line.

Wildlife entanglements occur every day, and sadly many animals do not survive. Fishing line can wrap tightly around wings, legs, necks, or beaks, causing severe injury, infection, starvation, or even death. Fortunately, this owl was one of the lucky ones.

After being spotted by a concerned community member, the owl was reported to Loudoun County Animal Services.

Deputy Chief Smokoska went above and beyond to respond to the scene and safely rescue the bird. With assistance from our friends at Kristi’s Caring Hands Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education, the owl was then transported to us for treatment.

During our examination, we found significant swelling and damage to the left wing caused by the constricting fishing line. The wing was drooping noticeably on intake, and there was concern about the extent of the injury. Thankfully, after three weeks of anti-inflammatory medication, supportive care, and careful monitoring, the owl regained normal function and was cleared for release back to the wild.

Cases like this are entirely preventable. When fishing, please do your best to avoid casting into trees and shrubs. If your line becomes snagged, make every effort to retrieve it. Even if you are not the person who left it behind, removing discarded fishing line whenever it is safe to do so can save a wild animal’s life. Prevention is always easier than rehabilitation.

This owl’s story is also a reminder that wildlife conservation is truly a community effort. We are incredibly grateful to the finder who cared enough to call for help, to Deputy Chief Smokoska and Loudoun County Animal Services for the rescue, and to Kristi’s Caring Hands Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education for assisting with transport. Together, they made this successful outcome possible.

Thank you to everyone who helps wildlife in need. It truly takes a village.

Looking for an easy way to help native wildlife? Become a monthly BRWC donor! For as little as $5/month, you can provide year-round, sustainable support that helps us fulfill our mission.