Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Great Horned Owl

This owl was stuck is a filthy situation!

Big thank you to Officer Morris of Frederick County Virginia Sheriff’s Office for going above and beyond to rescue this Great Horned Owl from a filthy situation!

This owl was found in the wastewater treatment chemical vault at Lake Frederick, covered in sewage. We were able to begin the process of bathing this owl under sedation shortly after admission. This patient will need multiple temperature-controlled baths to remove the sticky, oily waste material and to treat the associated burns.

In addition to being wet, dirty, and cold, the chemicals caused multiple burns over the skin and corneal ulcers on both eyes. The owl also sustained a fracture in one of the bones of the right wing tip, possibly in attempts to escape. Once the feathers are clean and other issues have resolved, the owl will have to recondition the feathers and we must ensure they are in good condition prior to release.

While in care, this patient will receive anti-inflammatories, pain medication, antibiotics, specialized eye drops to hopefully resolve the ulcers. Continuing supportive fluid and nutrition support will be provided as needed.

Thank you to the employees of the wastewater treatment facility and local animal control for ensuring this owl could receive the necessary care!

GIVING TUESDAY

In 2022, we took in a record-breaking (at the time) number of animals—3,406 patients entered our doors for care. This year, we have cruised right past that number and are quickly approaching 3,500 with nearly two full months left in the year! This adult opossum, who is a suspected vehicle strike, is patient 3,466.

She has received radiographs, bloodwork, anesthesia, pain medications, antibiotics, fluids, supplemental oxygen, and will get plenty of food in a comfortable, clean enclosure as she heals from her injuries.

These are just some of the free veterinary and rehabilitative services available to ALL of our patients and it is all thanks to the generous support of our donors and community members.

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that encourages people to do good during the season of giving thanks. This year, our Giving Tuesday campaign will focus on the incredible resources it takes to give our ever-growing number of patients the best possible care.

Your donations don’t just go to care for this single opossum, but will help us care for the nearly 400 opossums we admit each year, or the 200+ raptors, 300+ turtles, etc.

Help give back to our native wildlife by planning to give on Giving Tuesday, November 28th, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving!

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.