Great Horned Owl Rescued After Anticoagulant Rodenticide Poisoning

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A Great Horned Owl admitted to the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center in Boyce, Virginia is recovering from severe anticoagulant rodenticide toxicity, serving as a stark reminder of the broader harm over-the-counter rat poisons inflict on non-target wildlife and the wider food chain.

Why it matters

The case underscores how anticoagulant rodenticides perpetuate an ineffective and destructive cycle, as poisoned rodents become easy prey for raptors like Great Horned Owls, passing the toxins up the food chain. Scientific studies reveal pervasive exposure, with nearly 100% of some raptor species showing detectable levels of these poisons.

The details

The owl arrived in critical condition, with blood in its mouth, widespread bruising, extremely pale mucous membranes, and emaciation. A blood sample refused to clot for more than 10 minutes, a hallmark of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs), which disrupt the body's ability to form clots and turn minor injuries into potentially fatal hemorrhages. The center is treating the bird with high-dose vitamin K to counteract the poisoning, plus fluids and nutritional support.

• The Great Horned Owl was admitted to the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center in Boyce, Virginia in February 2026.

What’s next

The Blue Ridge Wildlife Center is continuing to treat the Great Horned Owl with high-dose vitamin K, fluids, and nutritional support in an effort to counteract the anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning.