On June 20, 2024, an American Crow was admitted to our clinic following a distressing incident. Witnesses reported the crow being picked up by its wing and shot with a pellet gun. Upon arrival, the crow, a young juvenile not yet fully mature, exhibited purple and pink bruising on the right chest. Initial treatment included pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs administered three times a day.
Our veterinarian performed a thorough examination, and the crow's weight continued to be monitored. The crow was placed under anesthesia for a series of x-rays to locate any pellets that may be lodged in the wing. An attempted pellet entry bruise was found on the left side of the abdominal cavity, but had not caused breakage through the skin. Although anesthesia carries inherent risks, the crow recovered well.
The examination revealed no entry wound from the pellet, indicating it did not penetrate the body but caused significant bruising. During further wound examination, the crow showed no signs of pain. Blood tests revealed low lead concentrations, posing no additional health concerns. The crow's behaviour was closely monitored to determine if its quiet demeanor was natural or resulted from the trauma.
American crows are highly intelligent, with cognitive abilities comparable to those of a 7 year-old human. They can create tools, remember faces, solve puzzles, understand clues and patterns, and analyze their surroundings. Crows have one of the highest IQs in the animal kingdom, Their ability to recognize faces enables them to identify friends and foes, and they have been known to take revenge on individuals who mistreat them. Conversely, crows often leave tokens of gratitude for those who show them kindness.
The diet of American Crows is diverse, including fish, insects, plants, fruits, roadkill, and small birds. They are opportunistic feeders, consuming anything digestible. Crows often employ tactics to steal food from other animals, taking advantage of weakened or injured animals and remembering bountiful harvest spots throughout seasons.
It is crucial to avoid harming or intentionally injuring wildlife. Pellet guns can be lethal to small animals. If you encounter injured wildlife, please get in touch with the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society at 403-214-1312 for assistance.
Alberta's Animal Protection Act states, "no person shall cause an animal to be in distress". Pellet guns can cause serious injuries and pain to animals and intentionally injuring wildlife goes against the Act. If you encounter injured wildlife, please get in touch with the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society at 403-214-1312 for assistance. For cruelty cases, please contact the Calgary Humane Society.
Figure 1. A video of the American crow.
Comments