Deputies Rescue Injured Owl Struck by Car

In the early morning hours of last Sunday, Knox County deputies responded to an unusual emergency: a juvenile barred owl that had been struck by a car in Knoxville. Body camera footage documented the deputies' careful efforts to rescue the distressed bird.

Upon arrival, officers found the owl alive and assessed its condition, noting signs of head trauma. They contacted the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Center and a local emergency veterinary clinic to determine the safest way to transport the bird for treatment, as concerns about further injury were paramount.

After coordinating with dispatch and emergency services, the owl was taken to the Knoxville Pet Emergency Clinic. The following morning, it was transferred to Owl Ridge Raptor Center, which has since been treating it for uveitis and head trauma. The center expressed optimism for the owl's full recovery, highlighting the collaborative effort involved.

This incident emphasizes the critical role that first responders, including law enforcement, can play in wildlife emergencies. Prompt intervention is vital for the survival and recovery of injured animals, especially when dealing with conditions like head trauma and uveitis that can severely impact an owl's ability to survive in the wild.