Halloween Rescue: REGI Technician Saves Barred Owl from the Roadside
ANTIGO, WI (OnFocus) – For the staff at Raptor Education Group Inc. (REGI), caring for wildlife doesn’t stop when the workday ends. That dedication was on full display this Halloween when Avian Technician Kiera Bowman paused her evening plans to save a Barred Owl in distress.
“My older sister was hosting a small Halloween costume party on Halloween evening, so my younger sister and I got dressed up and began driving to her house,” Kiera recalled. “As we turned onto Highway 29 from County Road U, something on the side of the road caught my attention. It was what appeared to be a Barred Owl. Instinctively, I knew I needed to turn around to make sure it was all right.”
When she returned to check, the bird was still there—motionless and vulnerable near the highway.
“I pulled over, grabbed the blanket I always keep in my car for situations like this, and carefully approached the bird. It didn’t try to fly away, allowing me to gently pick it up and place it safely in a box I had in my car,” she said.
Instead of continuing on to the party, Kiera took the owl home to rest in a quiet, dark room, minimizing its stress before bringing it to REGI for evaluation.
“Being late didn’t bother me in the slightest, as helping that owl was far more critical,” she said. “Working with birds has always been more than just something I enjoy; it’s a deep passion and a lifelong commitment.”
A Season of Increased Owl Injuries
As autumn settles in, wildlife rehabilitation centers like REGI are seeing a concerning rise in owl injuries from vehicle collisions. Since September, eight Barred Owls—along with several other owl species—have been admitted after being struck by cars.
One major cause behind these accidents is secondary poisoning from rodenticides. When rodents consume poison and are later eaten by owls, the toxins move up the food chain. Affected birds often suffer neurological issues that make them disoriented or unable to fly properly, increasing the risk of collisions.
Owls are particularly vulnerable because of how they hunt. Relying primarily on their exceptional hearing, they use facial disks and asymmetrical ear placement to locate prey in near-total darkness. When fixated on sounds near roadsides, they may not detect approaching vehicles until it’s too late.
How the Public Can Help
While tragic, these incidents are preventable. REGI urges the public to take a few key steps to protect raptors during the colder months:
- Avoid rodent poison. Use humane traps or rodent-proofing instead to prevent toxins from entering the food chain.
- Drive carefully at night. Most owls hunt after dark near open fields or wooded areas. Slowing down can save lives.
- Remove potential hazards. Unused soccer nets, garden netting, or similar materials can entangle owls—store them when not in use.
- Limit pesticide and herbicide use. These chemicals can poison birds indirectly through contaminated prey or ground insects.
If you encounter an owl that seems injured or unwell—showing signs such as disorientation, drooping wings, or lack of fear—contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center immediately. Do not attempt to care for the bird yourself.
Supporting Wisconsin’s Raptors
Raptor Education Group Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of injured birds, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The group relies heavily on public support through donations.
The group relies heavily on public support through donations, gift shop purchases, and educational program bookings.
In addition to financial contributions, REGI accepts in-kind donations such as unseasoned raw meat, towels, blankets, newspapers, and toilet paper rolls. A complete wish list of needed items is available on their website.
Every contribution helps ensure Wisconsin’s raptors continue to soar—thanks to dedicated individuals like Kiera, whose commitment to wildlife never takes a night off.
Author: News Desk
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