Sticky situation for Oak Bay Owl

On August 22, an Oak Bay resident alerted the BC SPCA Wild ARC to an owl who was stuck upside-down in a tree.

Once rescued, staff determined that the Barred Owl had been soaked overnight in a rare summer rain and had become wrapped in the sticky, soft branches of a Birch tree. Rehabilitators quickly removed the boughs and twigs to examine him for injuries. Following blood work and administration of fluids, he enjoyed a light meal.

Photo caption: BC SPCA Wild ARC staff rescued a Barred Owl after his wet feathers became stuck to a birch tree. Even the smallest imperfection in the feathers can affect temperature regulation and flight.

Lab results showed he was suffering from mild dehydration but aside from some minor bruising, there were no other major issues. His biggest problem was the condition of his feathers. The birch tree sap would not go away on its own and a bath was required.

Photo caption: A Barred Owl, rescued from the grasp of a sticky birch tree, submits to an unwelcomed bath.

Because bathing a bird can be a stressful procedure, staff waited for a couple of days to ensure the owl was eating well and fully settled. The bath went well and as the owl dried out, his feathers came back to their beautiful original state. The Oak Bay Barred Owl is now in a large exercise flight pen with four other Barred Owls in the care of the BC SPCA Wild ARC. Staff, who are pleased with his ability to fly and consume food for energy, are confident he will be ready for release soon.

Photo caption: A Barred Owl rescued in Oak Bay recovers in the care of the BC SPCA Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) before release. 

Wild ARC rehabilitation staff have seen many animals in a similar situation before although the predicament isn't usually naturally ocurring. Birds have been found stuck upside-down in a tree tangled in fishing line, balloon string, and other dangerous garbage.

“Humans are increasingly encroaching on wild areas creating progressively more human-animal conflicts,” says Craig Naherniak, BC SPCA general manager, humane education. “Most often wildlife lose and this means, in the long term, we all lose since we co-depend on a healthy, vibrant ecosystem.” The animal welfare society continues to encourage individuals to boycott helium balloon releases and to avoid littering. No matter how small or seemingly insignificant your action may seem, if it helps wildlife by lowering their risk of becoming injured or killed than you will have made a difference.

The BC SPCA Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) rescues and rehabilitates thousands of wild animals each year. Your gift can help give an orphaned or injured animal a second chance. Please donate today.

The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations. Our mission is to prevent cruelty and to promote the welfare of animals through a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.