12/13/2025
This is another example of how we have the opportunity to live more mindfully in our day-to-day lives. Something as simple as getting rid of cooking oil can make a difference in the lives of others. When we live mindfully, we become aware of our actions and the consequences those actions have on others and did you know that living mindfully can create states of health and wellness for you too!
This poor Barred Owl found themselves in a sticky situation, or rather, an *oily* situation.
Thanks to the efforts of Loudoun County Animal Services and Kristi's Caring Hands Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education, this bird was rescued after being found unable to fly near a dumpster. Once this bird arrived at our hospital, the oily substance that covered the body and feathers became obvious. Our staff suspects that this is cooking oil based on the fried food smell of the substance. It is likely that someone disposed of the oil in a way that left it accessible to wildlife and the owl, being hungry and desperate, became oiled while exploring the dumpster.
Unfortunately, as oil prevents birds from being able to thermoregulate, this bird was hypothermic and emaciated upon arrival. Since the patient was not stable we could not rush to sedating and bathing. Instead, our team began nutritional, fluid, and heat support to help this bird prepare for a bath at a later time.
Aside from the concerns of prolonged hypothermia and emaciation, this owl has shown signs of abnormal blood clotting (likely due to some level of rodenticide toxicity which is extremely common in raptors and other native predators). Given these issues, the owl's prognosis is guarded at this time. We are doing everything we can to stabilize this patient so that they can be bathed and receive the medical support needed to get them through this challenging time.
