PLYmouth, Wis. (CBS 58) — A Plymouth science teacher is being called a hero after saving the life of an owl, as witnessed by his middle school students and fellow teachers.
Abby Ward, a seventh grade teacher at Riverview Middle School, is known by students and colleagues for helping animals in need.
When she heard that a great horned owl had been caught in the school’s soccer net on Friday, she swung into action, grabbing scissors and her heavy-duty chemistry gloves.
“By the time we got out there, it was really, really caught on,” Ward said.
A local wildlife expert told CBS 58 that she often hears of owls getting caught in sporting nets.
“Owls are nocturnal hunters, so they don’t have the best eyesight to see those thin webs,” said Lindsey Obermeier of the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center.
As Ward patiently unraveled the owl and cut through the net, the larger bird remained noticeably still.
Ward said, “He lay there, and those huge yellow eyes stared at me the whole time I was trying to take out those last few pieces. It’s almost as if he knew I was going to let him go.” was getting ready.”
It was a risky hedge. Large horned owls are bred to hunt. Their sharp beaks and claws can be incredibly dangerous.
“If you take your hand and you squeeze it, an owl of this size can actually be about six times stronger than you,” Obermeier explained.
“I wouldn’t have touched it without the gloves I knew it wouldn’t be able to bite or claw,” Ward said.
After a few minutes of effort, the owl spread its wings.
“They had just taken off, and it was the biggest. Everyone was clapping and cheering,” Ward said.
The students saw the owl land on a nearby tree and flew away safely into the forest.
“Bravo to this teacher! Absolutely phenomenal, brave, and really what people want to see to help wildlife,” Obermeier said.
It was a successful ending, and a well learned lesson on how to help keep owls safe if you have game nets.
“The best thing to do to avoid the whole situation is to go down the net when you’re using the field,” Obermeier said.
If you are inexperienced with wildlife rescue and come across an animal in need, Obermeier says to keep your distance and call in a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for help.
