Rescuers Heard A Terrifying Screech From A Box, Then Discovered What Was Hiding Inside

Sometimes, nature surprises us in ways we least expect.

For Tracie Young, who works as a rehabilitator at the Raven Ridge Wildlife Center, Pennsylvania, that surprise came in the form of a strange box delivered by the local Pennsylvania Fish and Boat officers. 

What was truly shocking wasn’t the box itself, but the loud noise coming from inside it. As she shared in an interview:

“It was deafening. If I’d heard that in the woods, I would’ve gotten out of there. It was like something from a Stephen King movie.”

That definitely sets a spooky mood! You might think something terrifying was inside, like a creature with sharp teeth or glowing eyes.

When Tracie finally opened the box, she prepared herself for anything. Instead of a scary monster, the noise was coming from two very upset barn owls. 

Tracie explained that a local farmer had found these two owls in one of his silos. They were young birds, just days away from flying on their own. 

However, being in the silo wasn’t great for the farmer, so something had to be done. The local game officers, who often help wildlife, safely captured the owls and brought them to the rehabilitation center for care. 

It’s a bit of a mixed situation – the owls were almost ready to be independent, but they needed help a little sooner than expected.

At the wildlife center, the two owls received a careful check-up. The wildlife volunteers examined them closely and put identification bands on their legs. 

After that, it was time for dinner, which everyone was looking forward to. Throughout this whole process, the owls made their feelings known loud and clear. 

They hooted and screeched, expressing their frustration and clearly wanting to return to their cozy silo and the exciting adventures waiting for them.

Even though they might have needed earplugs, the wildlife handlers were thankful for the chance to work with these amazing birds. Tracie added:

“It was amazing to be able to handle them and see how spicy they really are. It was a great experience for myself and the volunteers.”

Now, here’s the fun twist in the story. Surprisingly, these two chatty young owls were only the second pair of barn owls the center had ever taken care of. 

And in a lucky coincidence, the first pair had just arrived a few weeks earlier! It’s as if the universe decided that the Raven Ridge Wildlife Center was the perfect place for barn owls to stay.

Thanks to a brilliant idea and some caring help, the rescuers successfully placed the noisy new owls back with the other pair, who were hopefully a bit more settled. It’s like they became an instant family! 

Now, as a group of four fluffy owls, they are gradually learning how to be independent, figuring out how to hunt and explore their surroundings. 

Before long, they’ll be soaring through the sky, their sharp calls ringing out into the night, not as cries for help, but as bold sounds of freedom, with only one worry: where to find their next delicious rodent meal.