'One Lucky Owl' Rescued From Chimney In Peninsula Home: PHS

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — An adult Barn Owl who became trapped in the chimney of a San Carlos home was rescued by the Peninsula Humane Society.

The PHS on Nov. 9 responded to a call from a family that had recently moved into the home and was hearing odd noises coming from the chimney they suspected may have been caused by an animal, said PHS Communications Manager Buffy Martin Tarbox said.

“Our rescue staff extended his camera phone up the chimney to determine if it was an animal and saw that it was a trapped Barn Owl,” Tarbox said.

The PHS rescue staff member was able to wedge himself up through the lower section of the chimney to carefully capture the owl and bring it to safety. The rescue effort took about 35 minutes.

The PHS has released videos showing the owl trapped inside the chimney, the animal being rescued and then being released into the wild.

“It’s unknown how long the bird had been stuck in the chimney. It did appear to be lethargic and dehydrated, so our staff immediately brought the owl to our Wildlife Care Center in Burlingame for evaluation,” Tarbox said.

“The owl was covered in ash, dehydrated and hungry. We were able to clean the bird up and provide it with some much-needed food and fluids. Despite the Barn Owl’s harrowing ordeal, thankfully it didn’t sustain any injuries. This is one lucky owl!”

After a few days of supportive care, the Barn Owl made a full recovery and was returned to the wild Monday night in San Carlos near where it had been found.

The PHS treats and rehabilitates approximately 1,400 wild animals every year. The agency is funded entirely by donations.