'Majestic' great horned owl saved after getting tangled in Texas barbed wire: See photos
A great horned owl was able to survive a gnarly encounter with a barbed wire fence thanks to a little help from a friend in law enforcement.
Fort Bend County Constable Sgt. Harrell Clark was at a red light when he noticed the great horned owl entangled in a barbed wire fence in the Houston suburb of Fulshear, the agency said in a statement Tuesday.
After discovering that the injured bird was still alive, Clark enlisted help from the local fire department. A bird rescue and rehabilitation team were also called in to help, KHOU-TV reported.
Fulshear police thanked Clark "for helping one of our most majestic residents" in a Wednesday Facebook post.
The owl was safely rescued because of Clark's "quick and compassionate response," the agency said. "We’re grateful for your kindness and care."
The owl was safely removed from the barbed wire fence, wrapped in a blanket and taken to an animal care facility. Constable Chad Norvell said the owl was receiving treatment for torn tendons at the Wildlife Center of Texas.
"We are always happy when we can help someone who can’t help themselves, even an owl," Norvell said in a statement. "I hope to see this great horned owl hunting squirrels and rabbit someday soon."
Details about the owl's current condition were not immediately available.
Are great horned owls native to Texas?
The great horned owl, one of the largest, most powerful, and widespread raptors in North America, breeds in various regions all over the world.
The bird of prey is seen across the state of Texas year-round, according to The Texas Breeding Bird Atlas by Texas A&M Agrilife Research.
"It is one of the more easily observed owls because it is large, relatively common, and often quite vocal," the entry reads. "Like most owls it is generally nocturnal. However, it can often be found hunting in the daytime, ordinarily on cloudy days."
The species' preferred habitat consists of semi-open country with hills, canyons, and watercourses, allowing it to survive and thrive in various locations across Texas.
Great horned owls are known to consume a "very wide variety of prey including some animals, such as skunks, that are larger than itself" but ordinarily consume rabbits, mice and other small rodents, according to the entry.