Great Horned Owl Rescue and Release: Our Wild Neighbors
Updated: Oct 1
Have you ever spotted a great horned owl? Last December, a young parkgoer was fortunate enough to find one – in an unfortunate situation. Near the Jefferson Horticulture Facility in Beacon Hill’s Jefferson Park, the majestic bird was stuck hanging from a tree by an abandoned kite line when a young girl biking nearby saw it and reported it to a nearby Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) gardener, who alerted other staff at the park.
A group of concerned staff at Jefferson Horticulture gathered to rescue the owl, and after numerous calls, contacted the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, who sent an employee to assist as soon as possible. With Tree Crew members operating their bucket lift and SPR gardeners assisting from the ground, the park staff were able to rescue the stranded great horned owl from its perilous position.
The great horned owl is the most widely distributed owl in North America, occupying a wide variety of habitats ranging from forests to deserts and urban parks. These nocturnal predators can swivel their heads 270 degrees to find prey with their big, yellow eyes, silently swooping down to ambush small mammals and other creatures with their sharp talons. They nest high up in trees but will also use power line poles, rock ledges, or other elevated nooks to nest in the absence of a suitable tree (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2026).
While these animals have adapted to urban environments to a certain degree, they still face dangers caused by humans. About 50% of young owls perish within their first year of life due to starvation, vehicle accidents, and other causes (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2026). GSP’s work to increase greenspace and biodiversity can minimize instances of wildlife being harmed in urban settings. As stewards of Seattle’s forests, that also places GSP’s volunteers, staff, and partners at the frontlines of urban wildlife conservation; it provides us with both the opportunity to enjoy wildlife and a responsibility to protect it.
The stranded great horned owl was rescued and brought to the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) wildlife rehabilitation center in Snohomish. Having rehabilitated orphaned and injured wildlife in Western Washington since 1967, PAWS has done amazing work in the Puget Sound region for both wild and pet-friendly animals.
After just a few short weeks, the great horned owl was ready to be released back into Jefferson Park. Thanks to the teamwork and cooperation of all those involved, our feathery friend was saved.
Here’s how you can help keep our parks safe for all visitors:
• To report litter in our parks, or to contact park rangers, call our Work Order Desk at (206) 684-7250.
• If you find injured or orphaned wildlife, call the PAWS hotline at (425) 412-4040.
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