Cape Ann wildlife rehabber Erin Parsons Hutchings shared photos of an Eastern Screech Owl that she has been treating for secondary rat poisoning.

“A crowd of concerned police officers were standing around the tiny creature when animal control officer Jamie Levie entered the room. This small screech owl, no larger than a coke can, had shown up at the station in clear need of help. She was unable to fly and clearly in distress.

Officer Levie brought her to wildlife rehabilitator Erin Hutchings from Cape Ann Wildlife, Inc.

Erin did what many rehabbers do when they receive sick predatory animals – she drew the bird’s blood.

Why? To check for exposure to rat poison.

Rat poison effects an animal’s ability to clot – therefore it’s ability to heal. When enough poison has been ingested, this results in the animal’s death.

She took the blood sample yesterday. It should have clotted within 8 min. As of this morning, the owl’s blood still hasn’t clotted.

This precious creature was just doing its job helping us control the rodent population, but someone poisoned its meals.

Erin is working very hard right now to save this innocent creature. This holiday season, her rescue could use your support in their efforts to save these animals.

If donating isn’t possible, please consider spreading the word about rat poison and what it does to our wildlife.

Thank you”

For more information on how to donate, please go here

Mission Statement: Cape Ann Wildlife, Inc. is dedicated to rescuing and providing the necessary rehabilitative care to all injured, orphaned or otherwise impaired wildlife during their confinement and adjustment period with Cape Ann Wildlife to ensure their survival upon release back into their natural environment.