Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Great Horned Owl saved by firefighters from California wildfires

Owl has been taken to a nearby rehabilitation centre, and is expected to fully recover

Clark Mindock
New York
Tuesday 05 November 2019 16:25 GMT
Comments
California wildfires spread prompting evacuation of 50,000 people

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A Great Horned Owl has been saved by firefighters in Southern California, as deadly blazes raged nearby.

The rescue was announced by authorities with the Ventura County Fire Department, which was working to fight back against the Maria Fire that is burning through nearby wooded areas.

According to a statement from the fire department, the owl has been named “Ram”, after the Los Angeles Rams football team.

Bird was rescued as firefighters searched for 'hazard' trees damaged by fire and liable to fall on people or wildlife
Bird was rescued as firefighters searched for 'hazard' trees damaged by fire and liable to fall on people or wildlife (Ventura County Fire Department)

It has been taken to a rehab centre to heal and get back on its wings.

The rescue came about as firefighters were patrolling near the town of Somis, and keeping an eye out for “hazard” trees — those that have been burned, and could easily fall on wildlife or people in the area.

The owl is now expected to make a full recovery, and then be put back into its natural habitat, according to the Ventura County Star.

The Maria Fire started on 31 October, and has burned about 10,000 acres since then. Cal Fire, which oversees state fire fighting operations, says the fire is about 90 per cent contained.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in