Burrowing Owl Freed From Glue Trap in Fort Myers

Wildlife rehabilitators at CROW treated and released the injured bird near where it was found.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Bird Watching

Pale sand burrow opening at the edge of low palmetto scrub under an open Florida sky, evoking a wildlife release site. — A rehabilitated burrowing owl was released near Fort Myers on Sept. 25 after wildlife rescuers at CROW freed it from a glue trap. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you switch from glue traps to a wildlife-safe pest control method?

An adult burrowing owl found stuck to a glue trap in Fort Myers was treated at CROW and released on Sept. 25. The bird did not sustain any serious injuries.

Why it matters

Glue traps can entangle wildlife and cause serious harm the more an animal struggles. CROW has urged the public to use wildlife-safe alternatives to glue traps.

The owl arrived at CROW on Sept. 16 and was moved to an outdoor enclosure three days later. It was cleared for release on Sept. 25 and set free near where it was found in Fort Myers.

The players

CROW (Care for Wild Rehabilitation Organization)

A wildlife rehabilitation clinic on Sanibel Island that treats injured and orphaned wild animals.

The details

CROW staff sedated the owl and used an adhesive-removal spray to separate it from the trap. The bird was then bathed in warm water with dish soap and peanut butter, and staff applied chinchilla dust to keep affected feathers from sticking together.

Sept. 16: Owl arrives at CROW trapped in glue.
Sept. 19: Owl moved to an outdoor enclosure.
Sept. 25: Owl cleared for release and returned to the wild.

Season Trajectory

This rescue fits CROW's ongoing public campaign against glue traps, which the organization has urged residents to replace with wildlife-safe alternatives. The case shows how adhesive traps can trap birds that are then harmed further by their own struggling.

Residents who find trapped wildlife should avoid freeing the animal themselves and contact a rehabilitation facility instead. Choosing wildlife-safe pest control methods over glue traps can prevent this kind of injury to local birds.

The takeaway

Glue traps can injure wildlife far beyond their intended target, and choosing humane alternatives protects birds like the burrowing owl. Local residents who encounter trapped animals can contact a licensed rehabilitation facility for help.