With the transition to autumn comes dwindling daylight hours, which typically signals an increase in owl patients at BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC), according to BC SPCA.
Locally, volunteers at Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society also see an uptick in injured owls coming into the centre in the fall season.
The higher number of these nighttime hunters needing care showcases how dangerous this time of year can be for nocturnal wildlife.
“As the days get shorter and people commute to and from work in the dark, nocturnal animals like owls are also active at these times, hunting near roadsides for small rodents like mice and shrews,” stated Dr. Andrea Wallace, BC SPCA’s manager for wild animal welfare, in a message to the public. “As a result, they are at higher risk from vehicle collisions during this time of year, and we encourage those on the road to exercise extra caution when driving.”
According to BC SPCA, it’s an effect that Wild ARC continues to see year after year. Last year, 18 owls of four different species, and three red-tailed hawks, were admitted to Wild ARC after being hit by a car, likely while foraging for food. Many of these animals suffered fractures, broken wings, and head trauma.
Last October, a barred owl was rescued and taken to PROWLS after being hit by a car near Joyce and Westview avenues after midnight.
To see a video of a barred owl, go to the PROWLS Facebook page: facebook.com/reel.
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