Oregon State Police Rescue Injured Owl in Shady Cove

Shady Cove, Oregon- On Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife responded to a report of an injured owl near a residence in Shady Cove. The initially reported “baby” owl turned out to be a Northern Pygmy Owl – a small species not much larger than a baseball or about the size of a three-inch Oregon State Police patch.

Upon inspection, the rescued owl displayed signs of a wing injury. It was promptly released into the care of a wildlife rehabilitation center for thorough evaluation, treatment, and, optimistically, eventual release back to its natural habitat. While Fish and Wildlife troopers often respond to injured raptors, it was the first encounter with a Northern Pygmy Owl for the responding trooper.

Captain Kyle Kennedy expressed gratitude for the partnerships with nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation facilities, emphasizing their crucial role in saving wildlife like the Northern Pygmy Owl. He acknowledged the dedication of their staff, volunteers, and donors, highlighting their joint mission of preserving and protecting Oregon’s natural resources.

Native to western North America, Northern Pygmy Owls are found in forested areas of Oregon, including the Coast Range, Klamath Mountains, Cascade Mountains, and Blue Mountains. Despite their small stature, these raptors are formidable hunters, preying on a variety of creatures, from mice and voles to insects, small reptiles, and amphibians such as lizards or frogs. Notably, Northern Pygmy Owls are diurnal hunters, active during the day and relying on sight rather than sound.