Nature Center's Beloved Owl Mourned In Canton

CANTON, CT — The Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton announced Monday that 'Mountain,' its beloved Eastern screech owl, has died after a rapidly progressing illness.

Staff said the owl had recently shown unusual behavior, prompting an evaluation by a veterinarian.

Mountain was diagnosed with cancer that had advanced quickly and severely affected his quality of life. He died peacefully while being held by caretakers.

Mountain had lived at the nature center since March 2015, when he was brought in after being struck by a car on Mountain Road in nearby West Hartford.

The injuries left him blind in his left eye and caused permanent damage to his left wing, making him non-releasable, according to the center.

Over the years, Mountain became a familiar presence for visitors to the nature center, which is located on 70 Gracey Road, Canton.

Though he often stayed inside his enclosure during the day, staff said many guests saw him perched or looking out from his log shelter.

He was used in educational efforts to teach the public about owls and the challenges faced by wildlife.

The center described Mountain as having helped educate thousands of visitors during his time in Canton.