Barrel of Trouble

This week, outside the offices of the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, a great horned owl was found in a large plastic drum that was partly filled with collected rainwater. The owl had apparently slipped into the vessel after landing on the rim, and was stuck. The narrow sides and slippery walls made impossible for it to escape.

Vertical chambers can be death traps for wildlife. Make sure to check your yard for these hazards.

ESF staff tipped the barrel to free the owl, then called WES for help.

Duane Titus collected the soaked raptor and placed in a crate where it could dry off and warm up in the sun. The SPCA for Monterey County Wildlife Center retrieved the bird for evaluation. By evening, the bird had fully recovered and was set free.

Video courtesy of Ken Collins, ESF Land Steward

A huge Thank You! to everyone who helped rescue this beautiful bird!