Owl recovering after collision with Wentzville firetruck (MO)

[Donna]

A barred owl that flew directly into the path of a Wentzville firetruck heading to a fire last week is recovering at the World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park.

The owl flew into the windshield of a Wentzville Fire Protection District truck heading to last Thursday morning’s fire at 66 Abby Kate Lane near Wentzville, said Battalion Chief Michael Scott.

Firefighters were startled when the owl struck the windshield along Highway W, a couple miles from the fire, Scott said. They realized a bird had hit the truck but kept heading to the 3:30 a.m. fire that destroyed the home.

When firefighters arrived at the blaze, they noticed the owl clinging to the roof of the truck, Scott said. It had been injured but was still alive. Firefighters took the owl to the sanctuary, where it had surgery to repair a damaged wing.

Walter Crawford, director and founder of the sanctuary, said the owl is recovering and should be able to return to its habitat in four to six weeks.

Crawford said bird-vehicle collisions are a common cause of bird injuries.

The fire is still under investigation.