Hospital patient 26-42, a Northern Saw-Whet Owl, is recovering at the New Mexico Wildlife Center. Courtesy photo

NMWC NEWS

Hospital patient 26-42, a Northern Saw-Whet Owl, began their journey to New Mexico Wildlife Center in Espanola, after being caught up in netting around a chicken coop in Ranchos de Taos. Wild birds of prey sometimes fly into areas where they see a food source – a mouse scuttling around in a chicken yard is very appealing! When they land on netting or wire, their legs, feet, and wings can become entangled, and they will flail about until they are exhausted and may sustain injuries.

That was the case with 26-42. This tiny owl arrived worn out and with soft-tissue damage to one foot and some toes. Fortunately, the rescuer did not try to untangle the bird; he simply cut the netting around them and left the tangled strands in place. Then he called us.

Often, people who find wildlife in these situations want to remove the string or wire so they can free them and let them go. However, in the process, more damage is done to the animal than the original injury, ensuring that they won’t survive in the wild. Even the stress of being handled by a predator – that’s what humans are to wildlife – can cause death.

Eliminating netting and wire around property is the best method for preventing situations like this. However, if these materials must be used, we encourage people to think about the wild species that might be caught up in them. Birds, snakes, and small mammals can be stuck in netting, and raptors can accidentally fly into wire fences. It is important to check fences and enclosures often to be sure no wild animal is trapped. Not being found soon enough can lead to a protracted death.

Keep an eye out so you can catch the situation early. Cut the material out around the animal and do not attempt to disentangle it. Call NMWC and let our trained wildlife rehabilitators remove the offending material. Rehabbers can provide the patient with a calmer experience while they remove the material without causing more damage.

We know the intention to free a wild animal and give it a second chance at life comes from the heart. Taking responsible actions like these will greatly improve those second chances for a return to the wild. That is our wish for little 26-42.

New Mexico Wildlife Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that depends upon private donations and grants to provide its programs and services. For ways to support the Wildlife Center, go to https://newmexicowildlifecenter.org/support-us/

To learn more about the center, go to https://newmexicowildlifecenter.org/overview/

The center is located at 19 Wheat Street, Espanola, NM 87532, (505) 753-9505. Open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9m a.m. to 4 p.m.