Owls are one of the most popular and easily recognizable birds in North America. Though they are generally associated with good luck, finding a dead owl can be a harrowing experience.
If you find a dead owl, there are some things you should do to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
If you find a dead owl, the best thing to do is to contact your local wildlife rehabilitator. They will be able to properly dispose of the owl and help any other owls in the area.
Can I Keep a Dead Owl I Found?
If you find an owl that appears to be dead, it is important to take proper precautions before handling the bird.
Although it may seem harmless, there is always the potential for disease transmission, so it is best to use gloves and a mask when handling a dead owl.
Once you have taken these safety measures, you can then decide whether to keep the owl or dispose of it. If you choose to keep the owl, it is important to properly prepare it for preservation.
This includes removing all the feathers and internal organs. Once this is done, the owl can be either mounted or placed in a display case.
If you do not want to go through this process yourself, there are many taxidermists who would be happy to do it for you.
Whether you select to keep the owl or not, it is always best to contact your local wildlife authorities, so they can properly dispose of the body.
This helps prevent the spread of diseases and also ensures that no other animals will come into contact with the carcass.
How Do You Dispose of a Dead Owl?
The best way to dispose of a dead owl is to bury it. If you can’t bury it, then you can burn it.
What Does It Mean If You Find a Dead Owl?
If you find a dead owl, it could mean a few different things. It could be that the owl was sick or injured and couldn’t survive, or it could be that the owl was killed by a predator.
Owls are also sometimes killed by humans, either purposely or accidentally.
If you find a dead owl, it’s best to leave it where you found it and contact your local wildlife agency to report the sighting.
What to Do If You Find an Owl on the Ground?
If you find an owl on the ground, it is important to first determine if the owl is injured or not. If the owl appears to be hurt, it is best to contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center or the police.
Do not attempt to catch or handle the owl yourself, as they are wild animals and can bite.
If the owl does not appear injured, you can try to scare it away by making loud noises or waving your arms. Once the owl flies off, make sure to close any doors or windows so that it cannot come back inside.
WHEN YOU SEE A DEAD OWL, WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Dead Owl in My Yard Meaning?
If you find a dead owl in your yard, it could mean that someone is trying to send you a message.
Owls are often considered to be symbols of wisdom and knowledge, so finding one dead in your yard could be interpreted as a warning from the universe. Alternatively, it could also mean that death is coming to your home.
In most cases, however, a dead owl simply means that an owl has died and there is no deeper meaning behind it.
Conclusion
If you find a dead owl, the best thing to do is to contact your local wildlife rehabilitator. They will be able to properly dispose of the owl and may even be able to help you determine what caused its death.
If you can’t find a wildlife rehabilitator, you can bury the owl in a shallow grave or place it in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer until you can take it to a vet or animal shelter.
It is absolutely illegsl to keep any part of an owl in the US. Even a shed feather. “The possession of feathers and other parts of native North American birds without a permit is prohibited by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).”
Canada: “It is illegal to buy, sell or trade owls in Canada. In fact, without the proper permits, it is illegal to be in possession of any of our birds of prey (alive or dead). This includes feathers. Keeping owls requires not only permits, but a sound knowledge of owl requirements, species and Strigiforme life history.”