B.C. photographer saves owl after seeing it hit by a car while he was taking its picture

Murray Zelt, a wildlife enthusiast and photographer, had a heart-stopping experience while photographing a northern pygmy owl hunting a vole near 100 Mile House in B.C.’s Cariboo region. In a cruel twist of fate, the tiny owl was struck by a car on Highway 97, right in front of his eyes.

Zelt described the moment as a mix of elation and horror, as he witnessed the owl with its prey being hit by a passing vehicle at highway speed. The bird bounced on the road, and its prey flew out of its talons, leaving Zelt in a state of shock. Determined to help, he waited for a truck to pass before rushing out to retrieve the injured owl with his bare hands.

The owl, lifeless in his hands, brought tears to Zelt’s eyes. Aware of the delicate situation, he contacted the OWL (Orphaned Wildlife) Rehabilitation Society in Delta, B.C. Vehicle strikes are a common cause of injury for owls, and the outcome often hinges on minor details like the speed of the vehicle and the size of the bird.

Fortunately, Zelt had past experience rescuing injured owls, which proved valuable in this situation. Following advice from OWL, he placed the owl in a dark box and monitored its progress. To his delight, the owl regained its strength and flew onto a tennis racket in his home.

The following day, Zelt released the owl back into the wild. In a touching moment, the bird paused for a few seconds, almost as if expressing gratitude before taking flight. Zelt observed the owl’s departure, confident in its ability to thrive once more in its natural habitat.

The successful rescue and release of the northern pygmy owl brought a sense of fulfillment to Zelt and highlighted the importance of wildlife conservation efforts. He has since spotted the owl along the highway, a testament to its resilience and the impact of his intervention.

As drivers can play a role in preventing wildlife collisions, organizations like the BC SPCA and OWL emphasize the importance of vigilance on the roads and avoiding littering, which can attract animals. Zelt’s experience serves as a reminder of the miracles of survival and the impact of human intervention in preserving the beauty of wildlife.