Long-Eared Owl Vs. Barbed Wire

The following story about a long-eared owl was submitted by the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah.

This male, adult, long-eared owl was found stuck on a barbed wire fence in April of 2022. Luckily, a rescuer was out on a birding trip and just happened to have a pair of bolt cutters in their vehicle for situations like this.

When admitted, the owl weighed 266 grams (about 9.3 ounces). His body condition was good but was dehydrated. He had many small puncture wounds in both wings from the barbed wire, and his own talons. Fortunately, most of the damage was superficial.

We gave him fluids and started out with EmerAid IC Carnivore twice a day until he was well enough to eat whole mice on his own.

After less than three weeks in WRCNU’s care, his wounds had healed wonderfully and he was ready for release