“Compassionate Individual Saves Wounded Owl Entrapped in Barbed Wire”
### Photographer Aids Injured Owl Caught on Barbed Wire Fence: A Story of Kindness and Awareness
Being attuned to our environment not only helps safeguard ourselves but also allows us to assist others—including wildlife that may be in urgent need of help. This ethos of kindness was vividly illustrated when photographer and fisherman Mike Loughran discovered an injured owl entangled in a barbed wire fence. Thanks to his swift actions and compassionate nature, the bird was rescued, treated for its wounds, and granted a new lease on life.
#### An Unexpected Discovery Leads to a Rescue
While driving down a rural road, Mike Loughran spotted something out of the ordinary by the roadside—an owl ensnared in a barbed wire fence. At first glance, the magnificent bird seemed lifeless, but a closer look revealed that it was still alive, although injured and distressed. Aware of the seriousness of the scenario, Loughran quickly stopped to assist.
In a video posted on his social media, Loughran recorded the rescue process. The owl initially whimpered in pain as the photographer delicately worked to free it from the thorny wire. Empathetically, Loughran comforted the bird, saying, “I know, I’m trying to help you.” Eventually, he managed to free the bird’s wings and talons from the fence. After gently placing the owl on the ground, he paused to see if it could regain enough strength to fly away.
#### An Injured Creature in Desperate Need of Care
Sadly, the owl could not take to the air. Blood on its wing indicated a more serious injury than might have been initially perceived. Undeterred, Loughran took the next steps. Committed to giving the bird a chance to survive, he lovingly wrapped it in a blanket and secured it in the passenger seat of his van, transporting it to the Houston SPCA.
“The owl was unable to fly, and with an open wound, it required medical attention,” Loughran explained on Instagram. Acknowledging the increased risk of infection even for seemingly minor injuries, he resolved to ensure the owl received expert care. The staff at the SPCA confirmed that the bird had a positive prognosis and was anticipated to make a complete recovery.
#### A Reminder of Compassionate Vigilance
Loughran later contemplated the event, encouraging others to stay vigilant for wildlife in peril. “Always keep your eyes peeled for wildlife,” he counseled. “Usually, they will manage just fine without human interference, but in situations like this, assistance is crucial.”
He also highlighted how easily someone could have passed by the owl unnoticed. Having been caught on the fence for an estimated 6–10 hours—likely since colliding with it the night before—the bird could easily have been mistaken for dead by those driving past. Loughran’s choice to stop emphasized the significance of taking a moment to investigate anything out of the ordinary.
#### The Imperative for Wildlife Support
Though Loughran’s intervention concluded happily, his account also sheds light on the obstacles wildlife encounter in environments altered by humans. Fences, power lines, and roadways can present significant dangers to animals unaccustomed to the threats these pose. Grassroots initiatives by individuals like Loughran, alongside organizations like the Houston SPCA, play a vital role in alleviating the effects of such hazards.
For wildlife lovers and average citizens alike, the moral from this tale is clear: Stay observant and compassionate. As Loughran exemplified, a simple act of kindness can make the difference between survival and death for an animal in crisis.
#### Watch the Rescue
To witness the rescue and Loughran’s journey with the injured owl, watch the videos he posted: [Saved an injured owl (Part 1)](https://youtu.be/rlOlJ3ViQLA?si=HritKfkzDtv8_lUa) and [Saved an owl (Part 2)](https://youtu.be/4M4qf8tapxQ?si=ujOPwmB6UKugQEnT).
#### Interested in More? Related Stories About Owls:
– [31-Year Treasure Hunt for a Golden Owl Concludes With Discovery in France](https://mymodernmet.com/golden-owl-treasure-hunt/)
– [Snowy Owl Surprises Residents in Southern California Town](https://mymodernmet.com/snowy-owl-california/)
– [An Owl Steals a Child’s Stick Horse Toy, Transforming into a ‘Wicked Witch’ on a Broomstick](https://mymodernmet.com/owl-flying-with-broomstick/)
– [A New Owl Species Has Been Identified on Príncipe Island off Africa’s Coast](https://mymodernmet.com/new-owl-species-