Nisqually Valley resident Gundrun Krause woke up recently to an owl caught in netting set up around their residence to protect their animals.
“I immediately went there to check what it was,” Krause said. “It wasn’t moving. So I poked it with my finger, and she slowly turned her head and opened her eyes. It was a bit creepy and scary, but she was very quiet and not panicking.”
According to Krause, their residence is in owl central. During winter, Krause has seen migrating snow owls, and once had a pygmy owl trapped in their coop because the owl wouldn’t let go of a mouse it caught.
“The long-eared owl and the barred owl can be heard yelling at each other on some nights,” Krause said. “It is amazing to watch and listen to them.”
In this instance, however, Krause didn’t know what to do with this trapped wild animal. After waiting for Washington Fish and Wildlife to call back, the state agency recommended bringing the owl to the Yelm Veterinary Clinic.
“I called, but again, nobody answered, but part of the message service was that they are not taking wildlife anymore,” Krause said. “A wildlife rehabilitator organization in Eatonville was named, but they are permanently closed.”
According to officials, the best option for injured wildlife is for residents to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who is trained to handle and care for injured or orphaned wild animals. There is, however, a lack of rehabilitators because of the training required, the high demand for them and the limited funding available.
Luckily, Krause was able to find “Raindancer Wild Bird Rescue,” who responded to texts, and after several hours, an expert called.
“The rehabber asked pointed questions and gave advice on how to approach and deal with the owl,” Krause said. “They also told me what to look for to determine if she can be released or if she is in need of veterinary help.”
Krause and their family helped cut the owl from the netting immediately because they thought if they waited, the owl could get hurt or tangled more. The owl was held in a towel while Krause cut the net.
“It was scary, especially as we got a good look at her talons and her beak,” Krause said. “They were very strong, big and pointy. The owl was definitely more relaxed than us at this point. After we put her into the dog kennel, we noticed that there was still netting around her neck and wings.”
After removing the net, Krause observed if there was any blood or if the bird showed signs of fatigue. Experts recommended looking for physical injuries on the bird, inability to fly or attempts to fly but inability to gain altitude, difficulty walking or hopping, frequent stumbling or falling, lethargy or inability to move, unusual head tilts or disorientation and persistent flapping of wings while on the ground.
“She stared at me the entire time but never hissed or showed threatening behavior,” Krause said. “We gave her water and watched her closely for fatigue and blood. That is what the rehabber said to look for. She got more and more aggravated and started hissing and puffing up. I informed the rehabber via text, and she said that is a good sign and that we can release her.”
The owl was released at sunset, and it flew off after its eventful day.
Krause said this incident proved there is a great need for wildlife rehabilitators in the area. With the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and veterinarians busy or not focused on wildlife rehab, options can be limited.
“I wish there would be a better way to get licensed, but finding a supportive veterinarian is hard,” Krause said. “We live in a rural area. We have bald eagles in our woods, along with owls and a bear, cougars, hawks, coyotes and others. Now we have weasels, raccoons and whatever else.”
With reduced habitat because of population growth and construction, Krause added that animals are being pushed out.
“It shouldn’t be like that,” Krause said. “Nobody thinks about the wildlife until it is gone.”
If there is an immediate public safety issue, wildlife violation or an injured or dangerous animal, people should call the WDFW Enforcement office at 360-902-2936 or email enforcement-web@dfw.wa.gov or 911. More information can be found at https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/living/injured-wildlife.
