Owlets Survive Fall From Rafters, Rescued By Animal Control Officer

PLEASANTON, CA: Two owlets rescued after a fall from the rafters of a Pleasanton warehouse last week will get a second chance at life thanks to the efforts of Pleasanton Police Animal Control Officer Frankie Blavet.

Warehouse workers at Oldcastle Precast reported the animal emergency to police on April 14. When Blavet arrived, she could see a female great horned owl hanging alone in the rafters.

“I could see what was left of the nest about 25 feet off the ground and there was no sign of the babies,” Blavet told Patch. “Due to the location of the nest as well as the heavy equipment being utilized, I knew it would not be safe to place the owlets back into the nest. After some searching, I found two baby (but very large) owlets hiding behind various equipment.”

Wearing welding gloves for protection, Blavet was able to safely capture the feisty babies, taking them to the Lindsay Wildlife Hospital in Walnut Creek. The feathered duo will be rehabilitated for about three weeks before they are returned to the wild in Pleasanton, according to Blavet.

Great horned owls are nocturnal birds of prey and the babies usually stay in the nest for about the first six weeks of life, although at times the owlets may try to walk around, according to the Nature Conservancy.

Blavet said the staff at the animal hospital, which is run solely on donations, will teach the owlets life skills that their mother would have normally taught them to help ensure their survival when released.

More amazing animal rescues on Patch:

• Kitten Trapped in Wall Of San Leandro Home Rescued By Firefighters
• Firefighters Rescue 7 Ducklings From Storm Drain
• One Horse Dies, Another Airlifted to Safety Near Palm Springs
• See CHP Pursue Wayward Chihuahua on San Francisco's Bay Bridge
• Rescue in Pleasanton: Little Ducks Run Amok
• Chickens Roaming on Freeway Cluck Up Morning Commute
• Tender Hearted Alameda Police Officers
• Hawk Rescued in Pleasanton Parking Lot Returned Safely to Nest

Photos courtesy Frankie Blavet/ Pleasanton Police