The SPCA says a Barred owl is in the care of Wild ARC after it is believed it was recently hit by a car. Photo courtesy BC SPCA.
An owl in the care of the SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) has already lost one eye, and the organization seeks help with treatment costs to allow the bird to heal.
The SPCA says the Barred owl is believed to have been hit by a car recently and along with having an eye removed as a result, she also suffered trauma to her keel (chest/sternum) and has a swollen ear.
The bird was brought in for care at Wild ARC Nov. 23 and the centre says it will cost more than $2,700 for surgery and other expenses related to her care.
Wild ARC assistant manager Meg Hatch says owls assess depth with their ears, not with their eyes.
She says this incident is a reminder that owls, and other raptors, are extremely vulnerable with daylight hours limited.
Hatch says it’s not only about driving carefully but also disposing food or other compostable scraps on the side of the road can draw rodents, along with birds hunting them for food.
“We hope people will do their part to ensure risks are minimized or eliminated on our roads,” Hatch said in a release.
“Travellers should wait for an appropriate receptacle to dispose of food or other compostable scraps in, instead of tossing them from their vehicles.”
Wild ARC says it is optimistic the owl will live out a normal life and staff will assess the bird’s ability to hunt before it is released.
If you wish to help the owl or other animals in Wild ARC’s care, you can visit the SPCA’s medical emergency page or donate in person at 1020 Malloch Road in Victoria.
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