Great Horned Owl
January 20, 2021
A Great Horned Owl was found tangled in a soccer net on Mercer Island last week. Fortunately, the finder was able to remove the bird from the goal and transport her to PAWS Wildlife Center. Our rehabilitation team quickly untangled the netting wrapped around her legs, wings, and multiple times around her neck. Fortunately, the patient suffered no serious injuries and has almost fully recovered. This is not an uncommon predicament for Great Horned Owls as 20 percent of the adults admitted to PAWS were entangled in nets, including two currently in care.
You can help prevent entanglements by properly disposing of any string-like objects, including fishing line and hooks, not using netting or webbing in your yard or garden, and taking down sports nets when not in use.
View the finder’s story here.