Barn Owl Rescued After Collapsing in Essex Field from Poisoned Rodent
A barn owl collapsed in an Essex field after eating a poisoned rodent. Rescuers are working to rehabilitate the bird at a wildlife hospital.
Barn Owl, Essex, RSPCA, Wildlife Hospital, Rodenticide
Essex: A barn owl was rescued after collapsing in a field. The poor bird ate a rodent that had poison in its system. This made her unable to move, according to RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Natalie Read.
Natalie found the owl cold and grounded. She couldn’t use her wings. So, she took the owl to South Essex Wildlife Hospital for help. There, they could check what was wrong and start treatment.
The barn owl is still at the wildlife hospital in Orsett. Vets found a small puncture wound on her right wing. She was flat and unresponsive when she arrived, likely due to secondary poisoning from the rodent.
Rodenticide is often seen as a quick fix. However, it can cause serious welfare issues. Users must take precautions to keep the poison away from pets and wildlife. The RSPCA encourages humane ways to deter rodents instead.
Although the barn owl’s recovery is slow, she is responding to treatment. A spokesperson from the hospital said they found her just in time. However, her condition is still uncertain, with some days showing hope and others not.