Eastern Screech Owl Damaged Eye and Concussion: Patient 21-15

A big personality wrapped in a tiny package!

The One-Eyed Owl

This Eastern Screech Owl arrived during the January 31, 2021, snowstorm. She was found on the road, and we suspect she was hit by a car. Unfortunately, the car accident caused a severe concussion and damage to her left eye. The damage to her eye was so severe that it had to be surgically removed!

Although it was heartbreaking to see this little owl in pain and so injured, she still made a full recover and was returned to the wild. She definitely had the fight in her to get back out in the wild where she belongs.

The enucleation/evisceration (eye removal surgery) was scheduled. In addition to her initial visit to the vet, the procedure cost nearly $700 dollars. We think she’s worth every penny!

The surgery was successful and the owl completed her rehab back at the wildlife center. We performed a variety of tests to ensure she would be successful, even with one eye missing. In mid-March we returned the owl home to her home woods so that she could continue living wild and free.