California Officers Rescue Injured Owl from Busy Roadway

CHP officers used a cardboard box to safely transport the bird to an animal control facility.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:56pm

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California Highway Patrol officers rescued an injured owl that was found lying on its back in the middle of a busy road in Stevenson Ranch. The officers carefully placed the nearly motionless bird in a cardboard box and transported it to the CHP office, where it was picked up by Castaic Animal Control for further evaluation and care.

Why it matters

The rescue highlights the important role law enforcement can play in protecting local wildlife, especially when animals are in distress and in danger on busy roadways. Owls are a common sight in many California communities, and this incident shows how officers are willing to go the extra mile to ensure the safety and well-being of these creatures.

The details

Video footage shows the owl nearly motionless as it stared wide-eyed at the officers around it. At one point, the bird tried to lift itself up by expanding its wings but was unsuccessful. The officers gently turned the creature over and placed it inside a cardboard box, securing it in their patrol vehicle before transporting it to the CHP office in Newhall. Castaic Animal Control picked up the owl around 1:00 am.

  • The incident occurred just after 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2026.
  • The owl was transported to the CHP office and picked up by Castaic Animal Control around 1:00 am.

The players

California Highway Patrol (CHP)

The law enforcement agency that responded to the scene and rescued the injured owl.

Castaic Animal Control

The agency that picked up the owl from the CHP office and will provide further care and evaluation for the injured bird.

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What’s next

The extent of the owl's injuries is still unclear, and Castaic Animal Control will continue to assess the bird's condition and provide any necessary medical treatment before determining if it can be released back into the wild.

The takeaway

This rescue operation demonstrates the compassion and quick thinking of California law enforcement officers, who are willing to go above and beyond to protect local wildlife in distress. It's a heartwarming reminder of the important role that public servants can play in preserving the natural environment and supporting the well-being of all creatures in their communities.