UPDATE (2/2/22 8:53 PM): The owl was captured this evening near The Gulf Rest, where it was spotted earlier today.

The owl has built-in sharp hooks, one in the mouth and one in the back. The sharp hooks have become infected and the owl is weak and dehydrated. Wildlife Center workers are doing everything they can to save the owl.

ORIGINAL STORY

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. (WKRG) – A great adventure is underway in Orange Beach as animal experts and the general public team up to help a great horned owl in need of a little help.

About a week ago reports started coming in of an owl that had a fishing line and possibly a decoy wrapped around one of its wings. Over the past two days, these reports have increased as news has come out. The bird is still able to fly and hopefully hunt, but rehabilitators fear there is a hook in the wing that could cause infection.

The Orange Beach Wildlife Management Center is actively searching for the bird which has been spotted on the balconies of Caribe condos, around the San Roc Cay Marina and near the Gulf Restaurant.

Melissa Vinson runs the Wildlife Center and says if the bird is spotted, please call 1-844-303-WILD (9453) and do not attempt to capture the bird.