UW Barred Owl Now 'Appropriately Defensive' And Eating

SEATTLE, WA — That injured little barred owl we told you about last week? There's good news: the owl is eating on its own, and getting defensive with his caretakers — and that's a positive sign.

The UW owl was found around 6:30 a.m. Friday along a walkway outside the Suzzallo and Allen Libraries. A U.S. Department of Agriculture wildlife biologist scooped the bird up a few hours later and brought it to the PAWS center in Lynnwood, where veterinarians determined he or she was hurt after flying into a window.

The owl caused a minor stir on camps. UW personnel surrounded the bird with yellow caution tape on Friday to make sure no one got too close.

The owl suffered a fracture in its shoulder, and a fracture along the pubic bone. One of the owl's retinas was also damaged, causing it to squint. Vets have prescribed rest, eye drops, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

And three days later, the owl has improved, although he's a little tender.

"The bird is stronger than on intake and is holding both eyes open (owl was squinting left eye initially). Owl is a little ginger on right leg from the pelvic fracture but is able to place it and bear some weight. Owl is self-feeding and appropriately defensive. We’ll be performing a hands-on exam tomorrow. Owl will be cage-rested for two weeks and then moved to a flight cage for testing," a veterinarian said of the bird's condition on Monday, according to PAWS spokeswoman Laura Follis.

You might know PAWS mainly as a place to find dogs and cats to adopt — but the shelter rehabilitates all types of animals, from black bears to owls. In fact, PAWS rehabs about 55 owls each year at a cost of about $500 per animal.

If you've been charmed by the UW barred owl, consider a donation to PAWS to help the center continue to help wayward creatures.