Animal Services Rescued Trapped Barn Owl

Local officers saved a barn owl after it became stuck in two pest-control glue traps in Orange County.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Wildlife

Animal Services Rescued Trapped Barn Owl

Live Poll

Do you believe that using glue traps for pest control is a humane practice?

Animal Services officers rescued a barn owl that became trapped after it tried to catch a mouse in glue traps. The bird struggled to breathe as the glue covered its body and sealed its beak.

Why it matters

The rescue highlights the dangers glue traps pose to local wildlife that attempt to feed on trapped pests. Irvine officials coordinated the response to provide the injured animal with necessary medical care.

The rescue involved two separate pest-control glue traps that pinned the owl while it hunted a mouse. The bird suffered from obstructed breathing after glue coated its body and beak.

The players

Irvine Animal Care Center

This facility provides medical treatment and temporary housing for injured wildlife and domestic animals within the region.

Irvine Police Department

This law enforcement agency coordinates public safety efforts and emergency responses for the residents of Irvine.

Orange County Bird of Prey Center

This organization specializes in the rehabilitation and long-term care of injured raptors and native bird species.

The details

Irvine Animal Care Center staff carefully removed the glue from the owl's body and beak after the Irvine Police Department coordinated the rescue. The owl is currently receiving treatment at the facility before an expected transfer to the Orange County Bird of Prey Center.

September 30, 2026: The Irvine Police Department shared details of the rescue on Facebook.

Culture Shift

This rescue reflects growing public awareness regarding the unintended environmental consequences of indiscriminate pest control methods. The incident follows a documented pattern of non-target wildlife entanglement highlighted by veterinary safety advocates.

Residents should be aware that glue traps placed for mice can cause severe harm to birds and other local wildlife. Homeowners may consider using more selective humane traps to avoid potential injuries to non-target animals in the neighborhood.

The takeaway

Wildlife encounters with domestic pest products remain a persistent issue for local rescuers. Residents are encouraged to monitor trap placements closely to ensure that protected species are not inadvertently caught.