Quick Rescue of Texas-Native Owl Tangled in Barbed Wire Fence

Quick thinking and compassion from a Texas Constable saved the life of one of the more 'majestic' residents in Fulshear, Texas this week.

As Fort Bend County Precinct 1 Constable Sgt. Harrell Clark pulled up to a red light something outside caught his eye. Tangled in a barbed wire fence, a Great Horned Owl helplessly struggled to break free.

Sgt. Clark immediately focused his attention on the Texas-native owl and called for assistance.

Responders work together to rescue the owl.

Fulshear Simonton Fire- ESD 4 and a local wildlife rehab team arrived, ready to help. The owl was tangled in the barbed wire and injured. Photos show the owl in distress, with feathers torn and a bloody wing.

The team worked together to unravel the owl from the barbed wire. Finally, the owl was freed but needed to be taken in for further examination. It was gently wrapped in a blanket and taken to the Wildlife Center of Texas for treatment for tendons it tore while it was tangled in the barbed wire fence.

The owl is expected to fully recover and luckily the most severe injury was its pride. "We are always happy when we can help someone who can’t help themselves, even an owl," Constable Chad Norvell said in a statement. "I hope to see this great horned owl hunting squirrels and rabbits someday soon."

Great Horned Owls are native to Texas but rarely seen up close. You can quickly identify one by its piercing eyes, powerful talons, and role as apex predators in local ecosystems.