Something is Bugging this Baby Owl
From [Raven Ridge Wildlife Center](https://www.facebook.com/100064600545214/posts/1418323870330951/)
> A picture can provide our team with a wealth of information. We received a call from Jenny at the Mountain Creek Campground regarding a baby great horned owl found on the ground. They left the baby owl there because it is normal for great horned owls to fledge and spend time on the ground while their parents care for them. However, the campers noticed that the owl was being approached by a raccoon and recognized that the owl would likely not survive a raccoon attack. To protect the owl, they placed a milk crate over it with a rock until they could seek help and guidance.
>
> We always ask that a photo be sent to show what the finder is seeing, the situation the animal is in, and how we can assist with the next steps. The picture of the owl confirmed our suspicions; it was too small to be out of the nest and on its own. One noticeable clue indicating that the owl had been on the ground for a while was that we could see its ears. In healthy owls or hawks, the ears are not visible. When we can see the ears, it suggests that the animal may have maggots in them and could be in serious condition.
>
> Another camper found a dead sibling nearby, further indicating that this owlet was in trouble. After a long drive, the little owl arrived, and our observations were confirmed: both ears were packed with maggots, and the owl was dehydrated. After treatment, which included removing each maggot one by one, administering fluids and antibiotics, and hand-feeding, the owl showed significant improvement within 24 hours. As you can see, the ears are starting to disappear into the down as the swelling subsides.
>
> We cannot thank the campers at Mountain Creek Campground enough for taking the right action and contacting us; they truly saved this little owl.
> A picture can provide our team with a wealth of information. We received a call from Jenny at the Mountain Creek Campground regarding a baby great horned owl found on the ground. They left the baby owl there because it is normal for great horned owls to fledge and spend time on the ground while their parents care for them. However, the campers noticed that the owl was being approached by a raccoon and recognized that the owl would likely not survive a raccoon attack. To protect the owl, they placed a milk crate over it with a rock until they could seek help and guidance.
>
> We always ask that a photo be sent to show what the finder is seeing, the situation the animal is in, and how we can assist with the next steps. The picture of the owl confirmed our suspicions; it was too small to be out of the nest and on its own. One noticeable clue indicating that the owl had been on the ground for a while was that we could see its ears. In healthy owls or hawks, the ears are not visible. When we can see the ears, it suggests that the animal may have maggots in them and could be in serious condition.
>
> Another camper found a dead sibling nearby, further indicating that this owlet was in trouble. After a long drive, the little owl arrived, and our observations were confirmed: both ears were packed with maggots, and the owl was dehydrated. After treatment, which included removing each maggot one by one, administering fluids and antibiotics, and hand-feeding, the owl showed significant improvement within 24 hours. As you can see, the ears are starting to disappear into the down as the swelling subsides.
>
> We cannot thank the campers at Mountain Creek Campground enough for taking the right action and contacting us; they truly saved this little owl.