Minnesota Woman Rescues Injured Snowy Owl from Car Grille

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Minnesota Woman Rescues Injured Snowy Owl from Car Grille \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Annabell Whelan, a wildlife enthusiast in Duluth, Minnesota, saved a snowy owl trapped in a car grille after an earlier rescue of a great gray owl. Whelan cared for the snowy owl, affectionately named Nowl, overnight before transferring her to Wildwoods, a wildlife rehabilitation center. The rescue highlighted the importance of safe handling and swift action for injured animals.

A Day of Owl Rescues in Minnesota: Quick Looks

Rescue Mission: Annabell Whelan saved two injured owls on the same day in Minnesota.
Snowy Owl Crisis: Nowl, the snowy owl, was trapped in a car grille and suffered significant trauma.
Great Gray Owl: Earlier, Whelan rescued a great gray owl and sent it to a wildlife rehabilitation center.
Overnight Care: Whelan kept Nowl in a quiet, safe room before transferring her to professionals.
Rehabilitation: Both owls are receiving care, with Nowl being treated at The Raptor Center.
Safety Reminder: Experts urge people to handle injured wildlife cautiously and contact professionals.

Deep Look

Annabell Whelan’s day began with one unexpected wildlife rescue and ended with another, as the 22-year-old wildlife advocate saved two injured owls in separate incidents across Minnesota. Her quick thinking and compassionate action brought both a great gray owl and a snowy owl to safety, highlighting the importance of community involvement in wildlife conservation.

First Rescue: A Great Gray Owl in Two Harbors

Whelan’s first encounter took place in Two Harbors, a town north of Duluth, where she found a great gray owl injured and struggling on the ground. Unsure of how to proceed, Whelan contacted Wildwoods, a Duluth-based wildlife rehabilitation center. The experts at Wildwoods guided her through the process of safely capturing the owl.

“I could tell he was having a hard time with one of his eyes,” Whelan said, describing her initial observations. She approached the owl calmly, speaking softly to reassure it before wrapping it in a blanket. Whelan carefully transferred the bird into a dog crate for transport.

After arriving at Wildwoods, the great gray owl was stabilized and later sent to The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul for further treatment. Whelan thought her day of wildlife rescues was complete, but she was soon proven wrong.

Second Rescue: A Snowy Owl in Duluth

Later that day, Whelan and her boyfriend’s family were driving in Duluth when they spotted an unusual sight—a snowy owl lodged in the grille of a car. The owl, later named “Nowl” as a nod to the holiday season, had collided with the vehicle and was visibly injured.

“It was obviously a lot more trauma,” Whelan said, comparing Nowl’s injuries to those of the great gray owl she had rescued earlier.

With Wildwoods closed for the evening, Whelan decided to care for Nowl overnight. She carefully freed the bird, wrapped her in a blanket, and placed her in a crate. To ensure the owl’s safety, Whelan kept Nowl in a quiet, dark room, away from her cousin’s curious pets.

“I tried to prepare myself in case I woke up in the morning and she didn’t make it through the night,” Whelan said. However, her fears were unfounded. By morning, Nowl was awake and alert.

A Safe Arrival at Wildwoods

Whelan brought Nowl to Wildwoods the next morning, where the owl was assessed and treated. The center later shared an update on Facebook: “Nowl is quite beaten up. We applied a wing wrap, gave her meds, and coordinated with The Raptor Center to get her down to them.”

The snowy owl’s injuries were more severe than those of the great gray owl, but both birds were now receiving professional care.

Wildlife Safety Tips for the Public

The rescues brought attention to the importance of safely handling injured wildlife. Wildwoods emphasized several key steps for helping animals in distress:

Stay Alert: Be mindful of wildlife when driving, especially in rural areas.
Call for Help: Contact a local wildlife rescue or rehabilitation center for advice.
Minimize Stress: Injured animals are often scared. Keep them in a quiet, dark place until professionals can assist.
Avoid Overhandling: Limit contact to prevent further injury or stress.

Whelan’s Passion for Wildlife

Whelan’s background in biology and environmental science, along with her role as a guest experience manager at the Lake Superior Zoo, equipped her with the skills and knowledge needed to intervene effectively. “I definitely thought I had had my fix of owls with the first one,” she joked, reflecting on her day.

Her actions demonstrated not only her dedication to wildlife but also the importance of community members stepping up when professional help isn’t immediately available.

The Critical Role of Rehabilitation Centers

Both rescued owls are now under the care of professionals. The great gray owl is recovering from an eye injury, while Nowl’s wing and other injuries are being treated. These cases highlight the vital role of wildlife rehabilitation centers like Wildwoods and The Raptor Center, which provide expertise and resources to save injured animals.

A Reminder to Protect Wildlife

The rescues of Nowl and the great gray owl serve as a reminder of the dangers wildlife face, particularly from human activities such as driving. Whelan’s efforts underscore the importance of awareness, caution, and prompt action in safeguarding the natural world.