A barred owl that became trapped in a chimney and suffered from smoke exposure recovered at the Tufts Wildlife Clinic, according to a May 12 announcement. The owl was found by homeowners who unknowingly lit a fire while the bird was inside their chimney and then contacted a wildlife rehabilitator for help.
The case highlights the risks wildlife face as they seek shelter in human structures, especially during spring when animal activity increases. Dr. Maureen Murray, director of Tufts Wildlife Clinic and Shalin Liu Professor in Wildlife Medicine, said, “It’s not unusual that we get wildlife, particularly owl species, that go into people’s chimneys. Species that like to nest in cavities are drawn to chimneys because it looks to them like an inviting place to nest. Sometimes with other species in the winter, they’re just looking for a place to be warm.”
When brought to the clinic this March, the barred owl was coated in soot and suffering from respiratory distress and abrasions on both corneas but had not been burned. Murray said, “The bird was in critical shape for a couple of days, but gradually the breathing improved, and the bird kept improving overall.” The medical team provided oxygen therapy and medication for its airways while also washing its feathers due to heavy soot contamination—similar care as birds affected by oil spills.
As part of rehabilitation, Murray explained how birds move through different stages of recovery: “With any bird of prey species, they go through different stages in the course of their recovery and flight rehabilitation… Initially they’ll be in our inside caging…” Once stable enough outdoors without respiratory issues at increased activity levels, the barred owl entered larger aviaries until finally moving into TWC’s largest flight cage before release.
The clinic advises homeowners to cap chimneys professionally to prevent similar incidents. Owls can also be injured by cars or soccer nets while hunting or flying near residential areas. “All the wildlife are more active right now as we’re coming into spring… Anything people can do to make their yards and houses more wildlife-friendly goes a long way,” Murray said.
Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine includes facilities such as hospitals for small and large animals along with specialized clinics like Tufts Wildlife Clinic; it treats over 100,000 animals annually with about 500 students enrolled from across states and countries according to the official website. The school is part of Tufts University according to its official website.
Reflecting on encounters between people and owls such as this one—which made a full recovery—Murray concluded: “You’re more likely to hear them than you are to see them… Actually seeing a barred owl is a treat.”
