Did you find an orphaned or injured burrowing owl? Please help us ensure the animal’s safety and return to the wild!
If you find a burrowing owl you think needs help, do not automatically pick it up. Please check the recommendations below to find out what you should do. If the burrowing owl needs to be brought to a wildlife hospital, keep it in a cardboard box with a lid in a warm, dark, and quiet place until you can bring it to your local wildlife hospital. DO NOT FEED OR HANDLE WILD ANIMALS.
INJURED BURROWING OWL
If you found an injured burrowing owl, place a towel or sheet over the bird and gently place it in a secure container (e.g. cardboard box with a lid). Use caution as burrowing owls might be small, but they have very sharp talons and a powerful grip. If you are not comfortable handling the bird, contact your local animal control and ask them to provide assistance and deliver to local wildlife hospital.
YOUNG BURROWING OWL ON THE GROUND
Burrowing owls live in burrows and are commonly seen on the ground. There are many different reasons a young burrowing owl might be on the ground or out of its burrow. Like many young birds, burrowing owls love to explore the world outside their burrows, but can easily reunite with their parents who are often nearby. If the owl is alert, has no obvious sign of injury or trauma, and is in a safe environment, leave it alone. The young owl may simply be outside of its nearby burrows. Check the owl a few hours later (or the next day) for signs of parental care. If the owl appears injured, unhealthy or is in an unsafe environment, call your local wildlife hospital for advice BEFORE picking up the owl.