From The Raptor Center

These “preys-eye” views of a great horned owl’s foot belong to a recent patient who arrived at TRC’s raptor hospital after being found caught in a fox trap. The photos were taken after a week in TRC’s care to assess her perching and toe function.

An owl’s foot is perfectly designed for hunting, with four powerful toes equipped with sharp, curved talons. When perched, two toes point forward, and two point backward. One of the rear toes is permanently fixed to the rear, but the other is flexible and can either be positioned in front for stability or to the rear, for an exceptionally strong grip of their prey…

When this owl was admitted to TRC on July 10, veterinary staff noted that she had abrasions and punctures on the rear fixed toe of her right foot from the trap. They determined that there was also tendon injury on this great horned owl’s toe, because she was not able to extend it normally. TRC clinic staff placed a custom-fit splint on the toe to support it. While the tendon healed, the owl was provided pain medications and cage rest. They changed the foot bandage and splint twice weekly, while monitoring the wounds on the toe.

After three weeks, when TRC clinic staff removed the splint, the owl was using the toe well and perching normally. After a few flight tests, she was determined to be ready for release and returned to the skies on August 22, healed and once again ready to hunt.