Footage of a great horned owl is drawing attention online after the bird was hurt in what was described as an intentional (and illegal) trap, underscoring how severely a single action can endanger wildlife.
The bird's needed treatment also highlights the quiet, hands-on work wildlife rescuers do every day to give injured animals a chance to return to the wild.
Here's what to know
On August 13, Kala (@kala88069), a wildlife biologist-in-training, posted a video on TikTok showing a seriously injured great horned owl before it received treatment.
@kala88069 This great horned owl suffered a leg injure after being intentionally trapped, which is a criminal offense. I'm hoping that this bird will make a full recovery and be released back into the wild. Its a shame that people do these kinds of things to such beautiful animals !Repost from other account! #wildliferescue #wildanimals #owl #birdsofprey #naturetiktok ♬ original sound - kala
The woman explained, while showing off the bird's wound, that, "This owl was caught in a foot trap that someone had set on top of a fence post. His leg's pretty messed up so we're gonna get him to a rehabber. Hopefully they can fix his foot, if not, maybe he can be an ambassador animal somewhere. I really wish people would stop doing this kind of thing, it sucks."
The poster added that, "This great horned owl suffered a leg injury after being intentionally trapped, which is a criminal offense. I'm hoping this bird will make a full recovery and be released back into the wild. It's a shame that people do these kinds of things to such beautiful animals."
The wildlife biologist later responded to a commenter, stating that "apparently the guy who did [this] had cats disappearing and wanted to see where they were going. The owl did not make it."
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
More background
Great horned owls are powerful birds of prey, but like many raptors, they can be especially vulnerable to human-caused harms, including illegal trapping, poisoning, and collisions.
When an owl suffers a leg injury, its survival can be at risk because it relies on strong talons and mobility to hunt and defend itself. And unfortunately, the available details suggest that this was a deliberate harm rather than an accident.
Cruelty toward wildlife can have lasting ecological consequences. Raptors help keep ecosystems balanced by controlling rodent and other prey populations. When one is injured or removed from the wild, that loss can ripple outward.
If you ever encounter injured wildlife, experts generally advise against treating the animal yourself. Birds of prey can be dangerous when frightened, and improper handling can worsen injuries. Rehabilitation work is specialized. Treating a bird of prey is not as simple as feeding it and waiting for it to heal.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
