Watch CBS News

Great Horned Owl Rescued From Barbed Wire After Chasing Skunk

DEER TRAIL, Colo. (CBS4) - A great horned owl recovers after getting caught in a barbed wire fence near Deer Trail on Tuesday. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers responded to help rescue the animal.

Officers say the owl was chasing a skunk. Part of its wing was tangled in the wire.

An officer tried to free it, and eventually had to cut some of the wire so he could place the owl in a carrier.

great horned owl
(credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

Officers say Metro Wastewater Reclamation District employees found the bird and reported it.

The owl was taken to the Birds of Prey Foundation for diagnosis and recovery. They say there is concern for its tendon where the wing was caught.

great horned owl 2
(credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

They say it smelled of skunk, and great horned owls do not have a sense of smell.

CPW offered suggestions on fencing with wildlife in mind.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.