Injured Owl Rescued By Tennessee Deputies After Midnight Road Accident

Knox County Sheriff’s Office deputies rescued an injured juvenile Barred Owl after it was hit by a car early Friday morning.

Bodycam footage shows deputies responding to the 911 call on July 17 around 2 a.m. and working to get medical help for the injured bird. Deputy Dalton Swanger assessed the owl’s condition and searched for a way to safely move it.

“The bird looks pretty intact. I don’t know how to explain it,” Swanger said. “Is there any way we could get a hold of TWRA? It doesn’t seem that badly injured; it’s just not moving.”

Deputies contacted wildlife resources and veterinary facilities while trying to determine the best way to help the owl. After several calls, they arranged for the Knoxville Pet Emergency Clinic to keep the bird until the next morning.

Using a cardboard box, gloves, and other equipment, deputies carefully placed the owl into a ventilated container and secured it.

“Yeah, he’s got head trauma,” Swanger said. “I relate to you, friend.”

The Owl Ridge Raptor Center later received the owl and treated it for redness in its eye and head trauma. The center said the bird had been hydrated, fed, and medicated while hoping for a full recovery.