The Dangers of Barbed Wire and What (Not) to Do
Great-horned Owl 2196 was found entangled in barbed wire fencing, with no possibility of freeing himself. Imagining the pain, a would-be rescuer with good intentions might rush to free the bird on the spot, or attempt to. This would be the exact wrong move.
Fortunately for this bird, Sara Sylwester knew what to do. She carefully cut the wire all around the owl and brought the bird, still tangled in fencing, to PWC. There, our veterinarian used her tools and surgical expertise to extricate the owl safely, without causing yet more injury.
However, the bird’s wounds were extensive, requiring months of surgeries, procedures, and care: medications, flight conditioning, practice live-hunting prey, and time to recover. Finally healed and in good condition, GHOW 2196 was transported for release back to the wild. As soon as the carrier was opened, he proved his strength – and thrilled onlookers – by bursting out vertically and soaring high, back to his territory.
The case of GHOW 2196 is a reminder to all of us of how to (and not to) help an animal caught in barbed wire: Leave the animal tangled but cut the wire around it; bring it as-is to the PWC clinic. If in doubt or in need of instruction dealing with it, call the PWC hotline, 805 543-9453. As always, to help all the wild animals in our care, please know how appreciated and vital your donations are.
