Gromit, an Eastern Screech Owl (22-2792), was admitted in June 2022. He was found on the side of the road, and our exams noted abrasions on both feet. Gromit’s foot wounds were so severe that surgical amputation was elected for some of his digits. This prevented him from effectively using his talons to hunt in the wild and made him non-releasable.
Eastern Screech Owls are generally found in wooded areas. Their feathers can range from grey to reddish, which helps them blend in with tree trunks! Contrary to what their name suggests, these owls do not screech. Their calls sound more like trills or wails.
Fun Fact: Eastern Screech Owls are the smallest owl species in Florida! They commonly get mistaken as juvenile Great-Horned Owls (see our great-horned ambassador, Mina!).