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You Never Know “Whoo” You’re Going to Meet on a Call

Deputy and Citizens Work Together to Help Severely Injured Owl

A Spokane Valley Deputy responded to the report of an injured owl trapped in barbed wire atop a fence.  Clearly not a normal situation that Deputies often encounter, he worked with concerned citizens to carefully and quickly free the obviously injured owl.

On October 31, 2024, at approximately 9:15 am, a Spokane Valley Deputy responded to reports of an injured owl entangled in barbed wire that lined the top of a fence in the 12700 block of E. Mansfield Avenue.  

The Deputy arrived and, with the help of the concerned people, tried to stabilize and calm the bird. They then began to untangle its wing and free it from the old, rusty barbed wire.   

Once the owl was cut free, the Deputy wrapped the extremely wet and frightened owl in a towel to warm it up and try to keep it calm.   He then brought the owl to his patrol car, placed it on the driver’s side floorboard with him, and turned on the heater, providing a place to get warm and feel safe.     

Recognizing the severity of the injuries to the owl’s wing and body, the Deputy contacted the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, which assisted in transporting the owl to a veterinary clinic for treatment. 

A few days later, the Deputy checked on the owl’s prognosis.  Unfortunately, he was advised that the owl’s injuries were extensive, and despite everyone’s efforts, sadly, the owl did not survive. 

We thank the citizens who reported and tried to help save this beautiful owl!

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This Spokane County Sheriff Office news article "You Never Know “Whoo” You’re Going to Meet on a Call" was originally found on https://www.spokanecounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=7