Barn Owls are nature’s rodent management, however when one not too long ago got here into Worldwide Chook Rescue lined in sticky adhesive, it confirmed how human “options” can backfire.
This owl fell sufferer to a glue entice in Agoura Hills, CA, hindering its mobility and contaminating its wings and head with sticky residue. Had the chook been left untreated, struggling towards the adhesive may have precipitated additional feather injury, accidents, and even damaged bones. In its weakened state, it will have been extremely susceptible to predators. On prime of that, the immense stress of being trapped, unable to flee or transfer usually, may be deadly by itself.
The chook was rescued and stabilized on the California Wildlife Heart (CWC) earlier than it was transferred to Chook Rescue on August 9, the place our crew started the fragile technique of washing away the glue – very similar to the way in which oil is faraway from feathers. As soon as cleaned, the chook was transferred again to the CWC for continued care on August 14. It’s now recovering in a big aviary, regaining its energy, and can quickly be assessed for launch.
Sadly, this case is just not unusual. Glue traps trigger a gradual and agonizing demise for rodents and pose a hidden hazard to different wildlife. Raptors are particularly susceptible. Drawn to trapped rodents, they will simply turn into ensnared themselves. Circumstances like this arrive at Chook Rescue time and time once more.
Glue traps usually are not banned nationwide, however they’ve been prohibited in West Hollywood since 2023 and in Ojai, CA, since 2024. They’ve already been outlawed in different international locations together with Eire, New Zealand, and Iceland.
The one long-term method to management rodent populations is to make your house unattractive or inaccessible to them. The U.S. Heart for Illness Prevention Management (CDC) advises: “Eradicating meals sources, water, and objects that present shelter for rodents is one of the best ways to forestall contact.” Extra data on rodent prevention and trapping options may be discovered on the CDC web site.
By selecting humane rodent management strategies and spreading consciousness in regards to the risks of glue traps, we will help guarantee extra owls and different wildlife proceed to soar freely in our skies.
