Two Great Horned Owls released back into the wild

(SOUTHERN COLORADO) — Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) shared the story of two Great Horned Owls who were rescued in the San Juan National Forest earlier in 2024 and recently released back into the wild in September.

CPW said the female owl was found in a cabin with a wire wrapped around one leg that led to a severe leg injury. The owl was taken to Durango Animal Hospital for surgery. The morning after the surgery the owl was taken to Frisco Creek on May 31 to rest and recover from the injury and regain her strength.

There, the owl quickly regained strength and learned to hunt live prey from the others in the flight cage such as a male who would later be her release-mate.

According to CPW, the male owl was hit by a vehicle earlier in 2024 and had injuries to its head and an eye. The male owl underwent rehab at a private facility before being transferred to Frisco Creek to rebuild flying strength.

In September, both owls were ready for release and since they were originally found near Durango, CPW released them together. The male owl had been found near Lake Nighthorse, so that is where CPW released the two.

The male owl flew off first and then the female owl. CPW said the female owl circled around and then stopped along a trail before flying toward the pine trees.

CPW wants to thank all who helped in the rehab of the two owls including; the folks at Durango Animal Hospital, Frisco Creek Facility Manager Michael Sirochman, District Wildlife Manager Steph Taylor, and the team at Lake Nighthorse.

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