News Summary
A great horned owl in Orange County became trapped in a glue trap, leading to serious rehabilitation challenges. Rescued by a Good Samaritan, the owl is now recovering at the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center. The incident highlights the dangers of glue traps to wildlife and the importance of community support in rescue efforts.
Orange County’s Great Horned Owl Faces Tough Journey Back to Health
In a heart-wrenching twist of fate, a stunning great horned owl found itself trapped in a sticky glue trap in Orange County, unable to fly or hunt for food. This unfortunate encounter unfolded on July 23 when a caring Good Samaritan stumbled upon the distressed bird and whisked it off to the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach, hoping to save it from its sticky predicament.
A Rescuer’s Good Intentions and Unintended Consequences
In a bid to help the beleaguered owl, the rescuer resorted to scissors, attempting to cut away the glue trap. However, this well-meaning effort had unintended and serious consequences. The scissors not only removed the trap but also took away valuable feathers that are essential for an owl’s *ability to fly*. This mishap has made the rehabilitation process significantly longer for the feathered victim. Feather regrowth for birds doesn’t behave like hair; once cut, those feathers won’t simply grow back overnight. Instead, feathers need to be replaced during a natural molting cycle.
Understanding the Molting Process
Molting is a fascinating process that occurs in birds, and for great horned owls, it happens slowly. Typically, owls will molt once a year, but larger species can take *two years or more* to regain their full feather set. Unfortunately, this means that our feathered friend could spend a significant amount of time in rehabilitation, with the best-case scenario being capable of flying and returning to the wild within a year. But if the rehabilitation drags on too long, the owl may have to become an educational ambassador instead, teaching people about the hazards of glue traps.
Rescue Efforts and a Look at Glue Traps
The dedicated staff at the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center didn’t stop at just removing the trap. They diligently worked to free the owl from any remaining glue, using vegetable oil and solvents. After a thorough wash, the team offered hydration and nourishment before transferring the owl to the Orange County Bird of Prey Center for ongoing rehabilitation. Sadly, glue traps are notorious for luring in not just the intended targets but many innocent creatures too. Countries like England, Iceland, and New Zealand, along with certain U.S. cities such as West Hollywood and Ojai, have already banned these cruel traps due to their indiscriminate and often devastating effects on wildlife.
Raising Awareness About Glue Traps
Mindful of these ongoing issues, veterinarians have been vocal about the importance of discontinuing the use of glue traps. They emphasize that these traps lead to unnecessary suffering and death for various creatures. The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center reports that once a month, they receive calls about animals caught in glue, highlighting just how common this problem is. In the past, they have rescued not just owls but also orioles and other birds from similar sticky situations.
Community Involvement and Support
The community has rallied around wildlife rescue efforts, contributing essential items like dish soap to help with cleaning the owl. Last year, the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center successfully rehabilitated around 8,600 injured or sick animals, showcasing the community spirit that plays a vital role in these efforts.
The Road Ahead
As round-the-clock vigilance and care are required for the great horned owl’s recovery, the focus now is on providing the best possible environment for healing. Although it may be some time before this majestic bird takes to the skies again, the support and engagement of the community offer hope for both the owl and others like it. With continued awareness and efforts to ban glue traps, we can work towards ensuring a safer future for wildlife everywhere.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Great Horned Owl Rescue
- Wikipedia: Great Horned Owl
- Hindustan Times: Owl Rescue Video
- Google Search: Great Horned Owl
- AOL: Great Horned Owl Rescue
- Google Scholar: Great Horned Owl Rescue
- Los Angeles Times: Local Wildlife Enthusiasts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Owls
- Patch: Rare Great Horned Owl Sighting
- Google News: Great Horned Owl
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
