Source: Tufts University
A young Barred Owl made a full recovery after suffering smoke exposure and eye injuries from a chimney fire and receiving treatment at the Tufts Wildlife Clinic at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. The owl entered a residential chimney seeking shelter or nesting space when homeowners unknowingly lit a fire. Wildlife rehabilitators rescued the soot-covered owl and transported it to the clinic, where veterinarians treated respiratory distress, corneal abrasions, and feather contamination.
Under the care of Dr. Maureen Murray and the clinic team, the owl received oxygen therapy, medications, eye treatment, and extensive rehabilitation through progressively larger flight enclosures. After regaining strength and demonstrating normal silent flight, the owl was released back into the wild in late April. The clinic also emphasized the importance of wildlife-friendly precautions, including installing chimney caps and being cautious while driving near wooded areas during spring wildlife activity.
*Photo was purchased from Shutterstock
Read the full story HERE: https://vet.tufts.edu/news-events/news/barred-owl-recovers-chimney-fire-tufts-wildlife-clinic