The Oregon State Police assisted in the rescue of an injured owl in Shady Cove last week.
OSP Fish and Wildlife officers responded to a report of a small injured owl near a Shady Cove residence on Thursday. The reported "baby" owl turned out to be a Northern Pygmy Owl -- a species not much larger than a baseball.
The rescued owl appeared to have an injury to its wing and was released to the care of a wildlife rehabilitation center for evaluation, treatment and, hopefully, release back to where it was found.
Although injured raptors are a common call for Fish and Wildlife troopers, the responding officer said it was the first time he had encountered a Northern Pygmy Owl in person.
OSP Captain Kyle Kennedy said they are thankful to have partnerships with nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation facilities who help save animals like this little owl. He said they appreciate the commitment of their staff, volunteers and donors who help fulfill their mission of preserving and protecting Oregon's natural resources.
Northern Pygmy Owls are native to western North America including forested areas of Oregon including the Coast Range, Klamath and Cascade mountains, and Blue mountains. Unlike many species of owl, the Northern Pygmy is active during the day and hunt by sight rather than sound.
