Van Gogh was discovered on the road by a passing motorist, conscious and coherent but with severe injuries to the left side of her head. Unfortunately, many screech owls are hit by cars, especially during the winter months; headlights illuminate insects on roadways, enticing screech owls right into the path of oncoming vehicles. She ultimately lost the use of both her left eye (a setback, but not a critical impairment) and ear (much more serious — this prevents her from triangulating the location of prey when hunting).
Van Gogh
Learn About Van Gogh
- Classification: Bird
- Species: Western Screech Owl (Megascops kennicottii)
- Lifespan in Captivity: 20yrs
- Lifespan in the Wild: 3-7yrs
- Wingspan: 3ft
- Weight: 5oz
- Range in the Wild: Southeastern Alaska and British Columbia, south to Mexico, east to the Rocky Mountains
- Habitat in the Wild: Riparian, woodlands, orchards, urban areas
- Diet in the Wild: frogs, small rodents, insects
- Diet at Wildlife Images: rodents, poultry, donated meats, venison
- Gender: Female
- Arrival: October 2010