A great horned owl is on the mend after being discovered wounded along a western Massachusetts roadway this week.

The Goshen Police Department responded Tuesday to a call about a bird in distress near Route 9 in the town's Lithia section. Officers arriving on scene found the owl grounded and unable to fly, with what appeared to be a fractured leg.

Rather than attempt to handle the raptor themselves, officers contacted Tom Ricardi, a retired wildlife control officer for the state who now runs the Massachusetts Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Center in nearby Conway. Ricardi responded to the scene, evaluated the owl's condition and transported it to his facility, where it will remain until it recovers.

Roadside injuries are common among great horned owls, which frequently hunt along highway shoulders where mowed grass makes rodents easy to spot. That hunting strategy puts the birds directly in the path of oncoming traffic, particularly at dawn and dusk.

What to Do If You Find an Injured Animal

Wildlife experts stress that good intentions can make a bad situation worse. If you come across an injured bird or mammal:

• Keep your distance. Frightened animals may bite, scratch or strike with talons. Raptors in particular can cause serious puncture wounds.
• Call for help first. Contact your local police department, animal control office or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Many states maintain online directories of permitted rehabbers.
• Don't feed or give water. Injured animals can aspirate liquids, and the wrong food can complicate treatment.
• Note the exact location. Rehabilitators often return recovered animals to their original territory.
• Prioritize your safety near roads. Pull completely off the pavement, turn on hazard lights and never step into traffic to reach an animal.
• Leave healthy young animals alone. Fledgling birds on the ground and fawns resting in tall grass are usually not abandoned.

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