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Massachusetts Owl Survives Getting Hit by a Car

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Some birds are angry, while others are just lucky. The owl who made headlines earlier this week falls into the second category. 


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The story

It all started on Monday when a driver was traveling down Interstate 495 in Franklin, Massachusetts. Suddenly, the vehicle collided with an owl, who became entangled with the front of the vehicle. 

The driver reported the incident to law enforcement. With some assistance from Animal Control officers, they freed the owl from the front of the auto. It was then transported to Tufts University North Grafton Campus School of Veterinary Medicine for treatment. 

The fortunate outcome

According to the Franklin Police Department, the owl is expected to fully recover. It’s a timely reminder for Massachusetts residents — and the rest of us — to inspect our vehicles for entangled woodland creatures before hitting the road. Though, if you do happen to find yourself in a similar “foul” situation, make sure to report the incident to the police and call the local Animal Control. These two steps will help boost the unfortunate animal’s chance of a full recovery. 

Help keep owls safe

If owls are prevalent in your region, there are a few things you can do to help minimize the number of auto-related collisions with them. For starters, avoid littering roads with food and trash that can attract smaller animals that owls prey on. Secondly, be vigilant when driving on roads that border or cross over waterways, since these tend to be popular hunting areas for owls.

Lastly, if traveling in a remote area or notice an injured owl on the side of the road, take a moment to help it out. The Rowena Wildlife Clinic in Oregon recommends keeping a cardboard box and a blanket or large towel packed in your vehicle. If you can safely do so, approach the animal slowly then throw the blanket over it to cover its head and eyes. This will help the owl stay calm, while you relocate it to the cardboard box and close the lid. Then drive it to a local vet or Animal Control services. 

For more bird-themed stories, check out this one about drunk birds in Minnesota. Or check out this random commercial starring a bald eagle and a convertible. 


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News Sources: NBC Boston, WGME, WildOwl.co.uk