We love owls and we don't want to see them suffer, so what should we do if we find an owl that is sick or injured?
-First, is the owl on the ground and is it definitely a baby? If it is, it may not need our help. Many owlets just stumble to the ground while practicing their flying which could take days. Unless the parents were killed, they are near by looking after it, even if you cannot not see them. However, if the owlet is in a dangerous location, such as a road, you can carefully move it to a safer location nearby.
-If it's not a baby on the ground and it lets get you near it, then the poor thing does need your help. In this case:
1) Find a big enough cardboard box. When found, punch small holes for breathing and lay a cloth, preferably a clean one, on the bottom.
2) Get a towel, blanket, or other soft cloth and slowly walk up to the owl to throw it over it. Gently press its wings against its body for protection as you pick it up. As gently as possible, place the bird in the box and make sure it is secured, either by enter-flapping the lids, or by using tape, rope, or cloth.
3) Try to keep the owl as calm as possible. If driving, drive very carefully to not alarm and further harm the owl.
4) Immediately go to the The Wildlife Rehabilitator Directory for a listing of places to contact for help. Time is crucial here. Even if you cannot take the bird yourself to the facility, many wildlife rehab places have a network of workers that can pick it up for you.
5) Try not to handle the injured or sick owl after capture, even if it seems lame or tame as this added stress to the situation could kill it.
--- In any event, do not attempt to care for the injured or sick owl yourself as special permits are required to rehabilitate wildlife. Furthermore, without the proper training, you could unintentionally cause more harm than good.
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