A horned owl was freed from the front grille of a vehicle in Orcutt by Santa Barbara County firefighters and animal control this past Sunday morning.
Incident Overview
Firefighters responded to the 1000 block of Amethyst Drive in Orcutt after the vehicle owner noticed a live horned owl trapped in the car’s grill. The owl’s presence was first observed on Sunday morning, though the exact time or how the bird became stuck remains unknown.
Rescue Operation
Upon arrival, the fire department worked alongside Animal Control to extract the owl. After approximately 30 minutes of effort, firefighters cut sections of the grille and successfully removed the bird. The rescue was coordinated by Scott Safechuck, the department’s spokesperson, who confirmed the operation on Twitter:
> “Santa Barbara County Fire assisted Animal Control with the removal of a live horned owl lodged in the front grill of a vehicle. The vehicle owner noticed the owl in the grill this morning; it is unknown when the incident…”
The tweet was posted on December 21, 2025, and provided a brief summary of the event.
Transport and Medical Evaluation
Following removal, the injured owl was handed over to the Wildlife Care Network. The organization transported the bird to Goleta for a comprehensive evaluation and care plan. No further details about the owl’s condition or prognosis were released by the department or the Wildlife Care Network.
Community and Public Response
The incident drew attention from local residents and wildlife enthusiasts. Many expressed relief that the owl was rescued and praised the quick response of the fire department and animal control. The event was shared on social media, with the department’s official account posting the rescue details and a photo of the owl.
Key Takeaways
- A horned owl was trapped in the front grille of a vehicle on the 1000 block of Amethyst Drive in Orcutt.
- Firefighters and animal control worked together for about 30 minutes to cut the grille and free the bird.
- The owl was transported by the Wildlife Care Network to Goleta for evaluation.
- The rescue was publicly confirmed by Scott Safechuck via a tweet on December 21, 2025.
The incident highlights the importance of rapid wildlife rescue efforts and the cooperation between emergency services and animal care organizations. While the owl’s future remains uncertain, the successful extraction and immediate medical attention offer hope for its recovery.
Closing
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department’s swift action ensured a live animal was saved from a potentially dangerous situation. Their collaboration with Animal Control and the Wildlife Care Network demonstrates a coordinated approach to wildlife emergencies that benefits both the community and the local ecosystem.
