An owl that was entangled in fishing line and stuck in a tree outside Coquitlam city hall is recovering thanks to the work of firefighters, staff and a city councillor.
Several crows were harassing the injured animal, which was stuck about 50 to 60 feet off the ground. City staff and Coun. Mae Reid called the fire department, which needed a ladder truck to bring the owl to safety.
"Thanks to the quick thinking and compassion of everyone involved, this barred owl was saved before any permanent damage was done," said Linda Bakker, the leader of wildlife rehabilitation with the Wildlife Rescue Association. "If it had been left to fend for itself, its wound could have become infected and its long term chances of survival would be slim without access to food or water."
A fire fighter bundled the owl in towel and placed it in a box, which was given to Reid, who drove it to the WRA Care Centre at Burnaby Lake. The fishing line was wrapped around the owl's body, leaving it unable to fly and vulnerable to attack.
The owl lost a few feathers on its left wing due to the entanglement and had a cut on its right wing.
But on Monday, Bakker said the animal was feeling much better.
"We are very happy to report that the owl is recovering well from the ordeal," she said, adding that the animal was expected to be released within the next week.
Bakker also reminded anglers to dispose of their fishing line carefully as it can be lethal to wildlife.
