On October 14, 2024, around 2:40 p.m., a call came through our hotline reporting an owl trapped in a net and struggling to free itself beneath an overpass at a busy city intersection. The caller reported that the bird appeared to have lost some feathers and could not escape on its own. In response, we dispatched a team member to the location to rescue the owl.
Upon arrival, we found the net about 20 feet high, making it difficult to reach. After inspecting the area, no bird was seen trapped in the net, so it was concluded that either the owl had freed itself or the caller may have misinterpreted the situation.
However, on the morning of October 15th, we started the day with two voicemail messages from callers describing an owl still trapped in the same net at the same location reported the previous day. After speaking with one of the callers, we were provided with a clearer description of the situation and were sent pictures of the trapped owl (Fig.1).
Within a few minutes, two additional calls came in about the same issue, confirming that the owl was indeed in distress. We returned to the location, but knowing the net’s height, we realized a long ladder would be essential for the rescue.
We reached out to the fire department, and within twenty minutes, they dispatched a team to assist. While the fire department was en route, two more calls came in, highlighting the community's concern for the owl’s safety. Thanks to the fire department’s quick response, the owl was safely freed from the net and brought to our facility, all within a few hours of the initial call.
Upon examination, we were relieved to find that, surprisingly, she had only minor injuries, despite being trapped overnight. Apart from losing some feathers, there was dried blood on her left wing, possibly from an injured talon. She also had a small abrasion on the top of her beak with minimal bleeding.
Our team treated her wounds, administered pain medication, and monitored her closely in the isolation area of our facility (Fig. 2) for three days. After determining she didn't have any severe injuries, she was moved into our flight pens. Flight pens are large enclosures designed to encourage physical exercise and mental stimulation, supporting our patients' overall recovery.
After spending a week in the flight pen and showing full signs of recovery, she was deemed ready for release. On October 29, she was returned to the wild, healthy and strong.
We are always deeply grateful to the community members who report injured wildlife and to the fire department for their quick, compassionate response. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, this beautiful owl has been given a second chance in the wild, where she belongs.
For assistance with injured wildlife, please contact the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society at 403-214-1312.
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