Blue Ridge Wildlife Center admits eastern screech owl hit by vehicle

CLARKE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- After an eastern screech owl was hit by a vehicle and stuck in its grille for over 12 hours, staff at the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center admitted the bird, found an injury to its eye, and performed surgery.

According to a social media post by the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center on Thursday, Dec. 18, an eastern screech owl was hit by a vehicle and was stuck in its grille for over 12 hours.

Despite this, the center said the bird was found to have no broken bones, but had an injured left eye that required surgery. According to the center, staff removed the internal contents of the eye, but preserved the outer layer and surrounding structures.

(Photo: Blue Ridge Wildlife Center)

(Photo: Blue Ridge Wildlife Center)

(Photo: Blue Ridge Wildlife Center)

Although other raptors rely on having two eyes in the wild, the center said owls' excellent hearing can help offset the loss of vision in one eye. If there is significant head trauma, though, the center said there can sometimes be lasting damage to the brain or the ears.

Because it can be harder to observe this type of damage with only a physical examination, the center said owls with vision issues have to be tested for their flight and hunting skills through what the center refers to as "mouse school."

"Mouse school is essentially providing a live mouse in the enclosure of the owl and, with a game camera, observing and confirming the owl can successfully fly and catch this live prey without issue," the center said in the post.

This test reportedly helps staff rule out permanent or debilitating brain or hearing damage, and makes sure the owl has the necessary skills to survive in the wild.

If the owl continues to heal and passes mouse school, the center said it will soon be cleared to be released.