Rare owl recovering from broken wing at Canadian wildlife center

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- A female Short-eared owl is recovering at a rehabilitation center in Canada after the rare patient suffered a broken wing.

The rare bird was taken to the British Columbia SPCA's Wild Animal Rehabilitation Center after she was found on the side of the road with two broken bones in her left wing.

"She's a female adult Short-eared owl – a rare patient at Wild ARC – it's been many years since we last admitted one," assistant manager Heather Schmitt said. "Her injuries needed immediate surgical repair, as the bones needed to be pinned and stabilized in order for her to be able to fly again."

Rescue teams responded to the scene expecting to find a more common Barred Owl or a Great Horned, but instead found the rare Short-eared-owl, which was likely struck by a car.

Local veterinarian Dr. Petra Warnock was able to pin the owl's wing to prevent further injury as it was fitted for a special cast in advance of the approximately 8-week long recovery process.

The owl will require pain medication, specialized care and rehabilitation expected to cost a total of more than $4,000.

Once her treatment is complete the owl is expected to regain the ability to fly and be released back into the wild.

"She's a beautiful bird! We just want her to be able to fly again, and hunt for her meals the way owls are supposed to," Schmitt said.