The Tucson Wildlife Center has taken in four, white Great Horned Owl nestlings in the last few days.
The unusually high temperatures over the last couple of weeks have caused parasites to hatch two months early and attack the nestlings, according to a media release from the Tucson Wildlife Center.
This has forced them to bail out of their nests to escape.
“We have never seen this problem before,” Bates said. “With normal March temperatures, we assume the owls are older by the time parasites hatch and have left the nest or are able to fend off the parasites themselves," said Lisa Bates, Founder and Executive Director of Tucson Wildlife Center.
Three of the owls came from the Northwest side. A fourth came from an area near Sabino Canyon.
One suffered a broken leg in the fall from his nest and underwent surgery to repair the damage.
All four are expected to be released back to the wild.
Before they are returned to their parents, the owls are treated for parasites, assessed for health then returned to clean nests.
Anyone who finds an owl on the ground should call Tucson Wildlife Center at 520-290-9453.
