Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Eastern Screech Owl

Wildlife deserves a second chance at a wild life.

This gray phase Eastern screech owl was admitted after being found in the roadway at night unable to fly away. Upon admission, this little owl was suffering from signs of head trauma and had minor damage to the right eye. Although unconfirmed, we suspect this owl was hit by a vehicle.

Patient 24-259 at intake. @BRWC 2024

This patient is a great example of how we use body language to assess pain and mental status. Notice the fluffed-up feathers, inability to stand in a normal, upright position, and eyes that are barely able to open. This is not an owl that is alert and trying to hide (as they should in human presence). Postures like this may look sleepy or cute, but a trained wildlife rehabilitator would see that they are in pain.

Patient 24-259 in one of BRWC’s pre-release rehabilitation cages. @BRWC 2024

The photo of this owl in the pre-release caging shows an alert owl looking for an escape route—standing upright with eyes wide open and wings tucked carefully at the sides, ready to take off. A good sign that this patient is recovering well!

Wildlife deserves a second chance at a wild life—remember to treat animals in need with the same care you would want if you were injured! If you find an injured animal, do not offer food, water, formula, medicine, or handle them excessively.

With anti-inflammatories, eye medications, fluid support, and plenty of rest, this patient is improving daily! After just under a week in care, this owl was ready to move outside to pre-release caging and we are hopeful they will be released within the week. Help owls like this and other victims of vehicle collisions by obeying speed limits, using your high beams at night where appropriate, and calling professionals for advice BEFORE intervening in a potential wildlife emergency!

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.