Rescuers Trap Soaking Wet Owl — Then Realize He Has Something Around His Neck
He was still in danger even after the rescue.
By Ashley Ortiz
Published on Nov 14, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Last September, the folks at Raven Ridge Wildlife Center (RRW) received a call for help that felt all too familiar. A local homeowner reported finding a great horned owl tangled in his son’s soccer netting, and he was too entwined to get out on his own.
While the RRW staff is used to getting calls about wildlife trapped in sports netting, this case took an unexpected turn when the homeowner reported that they’d untangled the owl themselves. The owl was free, but his behavior after being released concerned them.
“They contacted us right away because they didn’t feel comfortable approaching the owl and were also concerned that [he] wasn’t flying away,” RRW wrote on Facebook.
An experienced RRW volunteer soon arrived at the caller’s house, where he found the owl confined to a gated area, dripping with water.
“The owl was trapped in a gated yard that contained an in-ground pool, and it appeared to have fallen into the pool while trying to find a hiding spot,” RRW wrote.
The poor owl was wide-eyed and sopping wet when the volunteer approached him. Thankfully, the rescuer managed to capture the owl quickly and rushed him to RRW’s headquarters. While he was technically free from the net, the staff at RRW had a hunch that the little owl wasn’t entirely out of the woods health-wise.
“There are often more hidden injuries when dealing with these animals, which is why it’s always best to bring them in for a detailed examination,” RRW wrote.
While performing a routine examination on the owl, the RRW staff discovered something life-threatening that had gone unnoticed before.
“Upon assessment, we discovered that the owl had a few abrasions and swelling, but one of the most concerning issues was that netting was still tightly wrapped around its neck,” RRW wrote.
As soon as they discovered the netting, the veterinary team quickly and carefully snipped it off. They treated the owl’s neck and the rest of his wounds to avoid infection, then let him settle into his new habitat for some rest. As tired as the little guy was, the team remained hopeful that he would soon make a full recovery.
Weeks later, the owl graduated from his recovery habitat to a flight cage, where he could practice flying again and regain his strength. It wasn’t long before the resilient owl was flying around his cage as if nothing had happened, and his caregivers decided he was officially strong enough to return home.
The team then set a release date. And when the day came to release the owl back into his natural habitat, they were overjoyed by his reaction.
“The owl immediately recognized his surroundings and flew off so quickly that he disappeared into the dense trees, blending in so well that we were unable to spot him,” RRW wrote on Facebook.
You can see more photos of the owl being released here:
The owl was thrilled to return home, and his dedicated rescuers couldn’t have been happier about the outcome.
While they wish the owl had never been trapped in the first place, which could’ve been avoided had the unused sports netting been stored properly, they’re honored to have been a part of his recovery.
And seeing him soar into his natural habitat again made it all worthwhile.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to see that they know they are home,” RRW wrote.
To help wild animals like this owl get the care they need, you can donate to Raven Ridge Wildlife Center here.
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Carrier Dumped On Sidewalk In Middle Of The Night Held Someone Pregnant Inside
She’s safe and happy now ❤️
Late last month, a 1-year-old cat named Ajita found herself in a terrifying situation. In the middle of the night, her previous owner put her in a carrier and abandoned her in front of a Minnesota animal shelter.
She rolled around in the carrier all night, desperately trying to escape. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t break free.
The cat even managed to push herself into the road with cars speeding by. Realizing her life was at risk, a passing pedestrian moved her back in front of the shelter’s door, out of the path of danger.
In the morning, impound staff discovered the distressed cat and immediately removed her from the carrier. As they examined her, they realized she had been hiding a secret: She was pregnant and due to deliver her babies within weeks.
Somehow, despite everything she’d been through, the cat was uninjured. She immediately trusted her rescuers and opened up to them. In honor of her resilience, staff members at Ruff Start Rescue decided to name her Ajita.
“Ajita’s name means ‘invincible’ and ‘unconquerable,’ and that is exactly what this brave mama is,” Ruff Start Rescue wrote on Facebook.
After being vaccinated and getting plenty of food, Ajita was transferred to stay with her foster mom, Rachel, who preferred to have her last name omitted.
Rachel was shocked by how Ajita immediately opened up to her. She found that Ajita has an incredibly affectionate, social personality.
“Ajita came out of the carrier and immediately was grateful and loving,” Rachel told The Dodo. “I never would have guessed she had been through any kind of traumatic situation if I hadn’t seen the video myself.”
Rachel believes that if surrendering pets was less stigmatized, perhaps fewer people would abandon their pets outside shelters. Rescue organizations would always prefer the animal be safely dropped off inside their facility, no matter the reason they’re being surrendered.
Ajita is due to deliver her babies any day. A few months from now, once the kittens are weaned, they’ll be available for adoption. Once Ajita is spayed, she’ll be up for adoption through Ruff Start Rescue as well.
“This mama is a true survivor, and with the love and support she’s receiving, she’s ready to start the next chapter of her life with a little family of her own,” Ruff Start Rescue said.
To support other animals like Ajita, you can donate to Ruff Start Rescue here.
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