Wildlife Rehab of Northwest Montana
Rehab and Release Stories:
We see a lot of injured wildlife come through our doors and it is not possible to put all of them online.
On this page you will find just a small selection of the animals that were released back into the wild.
Some of the birds on this page are still in the rehabilitation phase, but we are hopeful
that they will be released in the future.
Here is a look at some of our rehab and release stories for 2017 so far.
View rehab and release stories for 2016 here.
Juvenile Red Tail Hawk
This beautiful female, juvenile Red Tail Hawk spent just a short time with us, at the center before releasing back to the wild.
She'd apparently had a very good meal, and didn't know when to stop eating...
When Raptors over eat it can ground them, as they are too heavy and lethargic to fly. This puts them in a lot danger of becoming prey to a variety of predators, wild and domestic.
Luckily we were able to bring her in and provide her a safe place to digest her large meal.
Great Horned Owl
On November 11th, 2016 this male Great Horned Owl was found by a hunter out in the woods. He was then picked up by one of our center's volunteers and brought in for rehabilitation.
The right eye had sustained an injury that caused a condition known as an "Iris Bombe". He was seen by Dr. Lawson, and prescribed a long going daily treatment of topical antibiotic.
By January 2017, the eye had improved significantly. With perfect vision in the other, and only some impairment to the vision in that eye he was happily
released on January 7th, 2017.
Rough Legged Hawk
On December 2nd, 2016 this sub-adult Rough Legged Hawk was picked up from the Somers area. It had sustained a wing injury, a contusion to the left wrist, and was unable to fly. At just 778g. it was also underweight.
On January 6th, 2017 it was released. Once again back up to a healthy weight of 1123g. and flying strong.
Juvenile Golden Eagle
Remember "Golden Boy", found out in East Radner during November 2016, emaciated, and suffering with very high lead levels?
After being treated for lead poisoning, wearing custom foot splints, and getting back to a healthy weight, he made a full recovery.
Ron, the gentleman who found him was honored to assist in releasing him back into the wilderness he came from.
We could not be any happier with his recovery, and wish him all the best.
Have a wonderful life "Golden Boy"!
(You can view intake photos on the 2016 Page.)
Mature Bald Eagle
We are all so excited and relieved over this Bald Eagle's recovery! She came in with a high lead level, but responded to treatment amazingly.
Dr. Lawson, at Glacier Animal Hospital, generously donated his time to perform x-rays which fortunately showed no evidence of lead in her body. (Thank-you Dr. Lawson!)
She was a great patient, made a speedy recovery, and was successfully released back to the nest site where she came from in Thompson Falls.
Great Horned Owlets
With Spring storms bringing high winds, heavy rain and hail, nests are being blown down and destroyed.
What started with one, quickly became three, and soon after grew to five...
Thankfully none of these Great Horned Owlets were injured, and all have VERY healthy appetites.
Once flying and catching live prey they will return to the wild.
Keep an eye out for release photos!
Golden Eagle
This young Golden Eagle unfortunately suffered a broken leg after being struck by a car just north of Browing on Route 1.
It was brought to our center by the Black Feet Tribal Warden, and underwent surgery by Dr. Thompson at Whitefish Animal Hospital to attach an external fixator.
Our "patient" is doing well so far, eating, and even putting weight on the leg to stand again!
With six weeks of recovery time ahead, we are hopeful the leg will heal well, and this Golden will be returning to the wild.
Prairie Falcon
This gorgeous juvenile Prairie Falcon was found on a homeowner's deck out on Lower Valley Road on August 5th.
Fortunately it suffered no injuries, but was very underweight and in need of some good nutrition.
After just under a month in our care it was released on the 25th.
We wish him well!
Coopers Hawk Siblings
These two Coopers Hawks' nest was destroyed accidentally when the tree it was in was cut down.
One suffered a fractured leg, the other had no injuries luckily, both were too young yet to fly.
They grew up so quickly, and the fractured leg on the one healed up wonderfully.
After demonstrating strong flight, and hunting live prey successfully, they were released together.
Good luck out there you two!
Juvenile Great Horned Owl
In August, another juvenile came into our care, weak, hungry and underweight.
This time a Great Horned Owl from the Columbia Falls Stage area.
It was released after gaining a nice 190 grams and proving it was flying strong.
We wish it good hunting!