On a quiet stretch of highway just outside El Paso, Texas State Troopers discovered an injured owl perched helplessly on the median. Recognizing the bird’s distress, the troopers acted quickly to prevent further harm.
Troopers step in to help
Officer John Miller (name changed for privacy) described the scene: “We saw the owl stuck there, clearly injured, and we knew we had to act fast.” The troopers gently coaxed the owl into a rescue bag, placed it in a patrol car, and secured it for transport.
Before heading to the wildlife agency, the troopers took a few light‑hearted photos of the owl perched on the dashboard. The images, shared later by the Texas Department of Public Safety, show the bird looking surprisingly calm, prompting the caption, “Being a Texas State Trooper can be a Hoot!”
Wildlife officials take over
After the troopers arrived at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s regional office, wildlife biologists examined the owl. The bird was identified as a great horned owl with a minor wing injury likely caused by a collision with a vehicle.
Veterinarians at the El Paso Zoo will provide medical treatment and a recovery plan. “Our team is committed to giving this owl the best possible care,” said Dr. Laura Gonzalez, a wildlife veterinarian at the zoo. “With proper treatment, we expect a full recovery and eventual release back into the wild.”
Community response
The rescue quickly captured the attention of local residents on social media. Many praised the troopers for their swift action and shared the photos, noting how the incident highlighted the importance of wildlife awareness on roadways.
“It’s a reminder that we all share this land with creatures that need our help sometimes,” wrote one commenter. The Department of Public Safety encouraged drivers to stay alert for wildlife, especially during dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
What drivers can do
Texas Parks and Wildlife officials recommend the following steps to protect wildlife on Texas roads:
- Reduce speed in known wildlife corridors, especially at night.
- Use high beams when safe to improve visibility.
- If you see an injured animal, call local wildlife authorities or the nearest law‑enforcement agency.
By reporting incidents promptly, citizens help ensure that injured animals receive the care they need before it’s too late.
Looking ahead
The rescued owl will remain at the El Paso Zoo until fully healed. Once cleared by veterinarians, the bird will be released back into its natural habitat, where it can continue to play its vital role in the local ecosystem.
This successful rescue underscores the collaborative effort between law‑enforcement officers and wildlife professionals, reinforcing Texas’s commitment to protecting both its citizens and its natural heritage.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
