Horned Owl Rescued From Freight Train By Bergen County Group

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — When a horned owl was discovered in a rail car near the Hudson County/Bergen County border recently, a local group gave a hoot. They placed the bird with a group that rehabilitates injured birds in New Jersey.

Last week, Bergen County Animal Control said in a message, "Our friends at CSX in Kearny discovered a Great Horned Owl in a rail car. Officer Kochakian quickly arrived on scene and helped this beautiful bird find his way to greener pastures."

They got the bird to the Raptor Trust in Millington, in Morris County.

The bird rehabilitation and education center takes in injured birds during daytime hours and nurses them to health. Find out more here.

This wasn't Bergen County Animal Control's first go around with a horned owl "whooo" was in distress. In May they rescued one from Upper Saddle River that needed help.

Bergen County Animal Control serves 50 communities in Bergen and Hudson counties. Their team includes 14 state certified officers (ACOs).

In a message about the rescue, they thanked the "amazing people at Raptor Trust in Millington, NJ. Another animal saved. Changing the world, one animal at a time."

Members of the public were pleased that the owl was saved, commenting on social media: "Owls don’t belong in box cars. Great catch. Happy he’s at Raptor Trust. You are the best!"

One person asked why the owl wasn't left alone, but an animal control staff member said, "If he wasn't hurt you couldn't get him. He has some sort of eye issue."

If You See An Injured Animal

Animal Control noted, about the Raptor Trust, "If you've never been there you HAVE TO go. They have all of the birds that won't survive in the wild set up in huge enclosures where they can thrive in safety. To tour the ground is free of charge with a donation jug at end. It's an ABSOLUTE highlight memory and it's free."

They also said they had once brought in an eagle who had been shot, and other animals.

Bergen County Animal Control has a number that can be dialed for emergencies, such as a sick or injured animal that's found, or an urgent cruelty complaint. 201-785-8500. Find out more here.

See their social media posts about other rescued animals and animals that need urgent adoption here.

Find out about adoptable animals at the Bergen County Animal Shelter here.

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