From Wildlife in Crisis
Did you know that deer are not strictly herbivores? They're actually opportunistic omnivores who will eat ground nesting eggs and chicks and the occasional baby bird they find on the ground. They're also fierce protectors of their fawns. They will stomp what they perceive as threats, often to death. Deer have razor sharp hooves that can pierce through flesh with deadly force.
This baby barred owl was rescued by Aquarion Water Company personnel. They came upon a strange scene of a mother deer stomping this baby barred owl. Whether she perceived this owl as a threat to her nearby fawn, or was trying to consume it we don't know. They shooed away the deer and brought this injured owl to us for care.
Unfortunately, he sustained significant head trauma and a wing fracture during this ordeal. He's resting comfortably now after medications to ease his pain and has been fed several times. His wing will be surgically repaired later today. Nature is not always what it seems.
I went back and they did have an initial update. It's off to a good start. They will do all they can to give it its best chance!
I wish the best for him! What a scary beginning to life.
I agree. It was very lucky the worker showed up and saw what was happening!
I usually don't show too many things like this because we're mostly here to see happy owls, but I do try to provide a balanced owl education and that includes owl hazards, and I felt most of us probably don't see deer as being dangerous animals, but like any wild animal, they can be scary when they feel the need to be.
Thankfully this one gets a second chance, and I hope it has a speedy recovery!