Earlier this month, a driver cruising through Southwestern Michigan to visit family saw a bright yellow bag on the roadside. Annoyed that someone had littered, she pulled over to pick up the trash.
To the driver’s horror, she discovered a large feed bag tied shut with twine. It had a few holes in it — but it wasn’t empty.
West Michigan Wildlife Center
Inside was a live owl, a zip tie wrapped around one foot.
The woman left the bag open and encouraged the owl to fly away. When the animal didn’t move, she assumed the traumatized bird was dehydrated. She gave her some time to perk up, but the owl’s condition didn’t improve.
Finally, the driver called the West Michigan Wildlife Center and delivered the owl into their care.
West Michigan Wildlife Center
Right away, rescuers gave the bird, who turned out to be a great horned owl, fluids and pain medication. They carefully removed the zip tie, which had cut off circulation and caused her foot to swell.
West Michigan Wildlife Center
“She was allowed to rest in a dark, quiet place while the pain medications took effect,” Allyson Swanson, executive director of West Michigan Wildlife Center, told The Dodo. “Once the pain meds were on board, we began our thorough exam and started treatments on the foot.”
Swanson says it’s too early to tell whether the owl’s foot is permanently damaged, but the director is grateful the bird arrived when she did: Not only did her foot need immediate attention, but the owl is blind in one eye.
Wildside Rehabilitation and Education Center
These injuries would make survival difficult for a raptor, who usually has remarkably good vision in almost total darkness.
Luckily, West Michigan Wildlife Center is partnered with Wildside Rehabilitation and Education Center in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Swanson sent the great horned owl to their facility, where volunteers were able to monitor her 24 hours a day.
Since she arrived at Wildside Rehabilitation and Education Center, the owl’s condition has improved dramatically. She receives foot soaks and eye drops regularly.
Wildside Rehabilitation and Education Center
“Some of the medications she is on keeps her calm,” Swanson said, “but we can still tell she has a feisty spirit.”
West Michigan Wildlife Center reported the owl’s mistreatment to the Department of Natural Resources, but no information about an investigation has been released yet.
Despite her difficult journey and the odds stacked against her, this great horned owl is on the upswing.
“I’d like to think that so many people working together for her is giving her the best chance,” Swanson said, “and we will see a positive outcome.”
If you’d like to keep up with the owl, you can follow her progress on Wildside Rehabilitation and Education Center’s Facebook page.
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