An animal rescue organization north of Calgary has taken in its first snowy owl since 2019. The injured raptor was found by the side of the road in Drumheller earlier this month and taken to the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) in the hamlet of Madden, about 40 kilometres from Calgary. Officials say the owl has injuries to her foot, leg and wing, as well as suspected head trauma. “Although there is no way to know exactly what caused her injuries, a vehicle collision is a likely possibility,” said a Wednesday news release. The team at AIWC is optimistic the owl will make a full recovery, and is medicating her to help reduce swelling and manage pain. Canada’s snowy owls were recently classified as ‘threatened’ by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, with populations declining by some 40 per cent over the past 24 years. “One of the major risks they face during their winter stay in Alberta is exposure to roads and vehicles,” the AIWC said. “Their low, ground-level flight while hunting places them at increased risk of vehicle collisions on rural roads.” If you find an injured animal, you can the AIWC’s wildlife hotline at 403-946-2361.
