An owl that ventured out for a nighttime hunt in Ventura ended up needing help from local firefighters after it became stranded in a backyard swimming pool.
Firefighters used a pool leaf skimmer to guide the soaked bird toward the edge of the pool and lift it back onto dry grass, according to video the fire department posted Monday. The footage shows the owl sitting beside the pool with its eyes wide open and no obvious signs of major injury.
“Glad this little guy is safe and back on his way,” firefighters wrote on Facebook.
The species of the rescued bird has not been identified, but Ventura County has plenty of owls to choose from. According to local wildlife authorities including the Ojai Raptor Center, three species are especially common in the region.
How the bird ended up in the deep end isn’t entirely clear, but wildlife experts point to a few likely explanations. Owls hunt after dark and will swoop toward pools while chasing prey like frogs, rodents and large insects. The reflective surface of the water can also trick them into perceiving open ground, a costly mistake when there’s a swimming pool underneath.
Decorative lighting around or inside pools can compound the problem, drawing moths, beetles and frogs that in turn make a backyard an appealing hunting ground for an owl after dark.
The rescued bird was taken to the Ojai Raptor Center for treatment. Officials have not released an update on its condition.
The center is urging anyone who comes across distressed wildlife to contact a local rehabilitation center before attempting a rescue on their own, noting that different species have different needs and what looks like a simple backyard save may actually require specialized care. Photos and videos of the animal can also help rehabilitators assess its condition before they arrive.
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