From Raven Ridge Wildlife Center
As the clean-up and assessment of Hurricane Debby’s impact continues, we are also encountering displaced, injured, or abandoned wildlife. One such case is that of a Great Horned Owl that was brought to us during the worst part of the storm. The owl was cold, rain-soaked, and had two infected wounds on its head requiring immediate medical attention. After receiving care in a warm incubator and necessary fluids, the owl is on the path to a full recovery.
As we are handling a high volume of wildlife calls, we assure you that we will respond promptly. It is crucial to remember not to provide food or water to any animal, and refrain from administering medical treatment or medications. Doing so could exacerbate the situation and pose a threat to the animal’s well-being, potentially leading to its demise.
I thought this was a Screech as I was scrolling through! The water has really matted down its feathers.
It has the Barred Owl frown on as well.
Before
Why you shouldn’t feed an injured animal
Why you shouldn’t try to make an animal drink
In addition to the immediate risk food or drink can cause, if the animal is anesthetized or given sedatives that can make them vomit, and with their muscles relaxed, they can’t shut off the path to their lungs.
The path to a bird’s lungs starts at the glottis, right behind their tongue. Pouring water in a bird’s beak can have it go right down into its lungs and it will drown.
Interesting, life saving, info. I didn’t know about this, thanks.
I tried to find a way to summarize it into something short, but I ended up with the 2 articles and addendum because I think we don’t often give much thought to our differences in anatomy and the diversity of the human diet compared to most species.
If an animal is already in danger, our ignorance of their anatomy or unwittingly giving them a digestive disorder in addition to their current medical conditions can be fatal.
All scrubbed up
Awww poor li’l rat! Glad he’s on the road to wellville!
Me too! There’s been a few that didn’t make it lately, so I’m happy to be getting a number of good stories too.
I wish good health to all my animal friends! 🥰
What a polite (if a bit soggy) looking lad
It does look more grateful than most animals.
The last turtle I helped across the street tried to pee on me and gave me the dirtiest look until I got back in my car.
It’s a good thing I’m not in it for the gratitude! 😆
