Dakota, missing owl safely returned

Dakota - an educational owl that was taken from the Wildlife In Need Center (WINC) three weeks ago - has returned home, according to a news release from WINC.

At about 7:30 a.m., staff members captured the great horned owl.

On Monday staffers searching for Dakota confirmed his presence at a site that has been monitored since early last week.

At 6 a.m. today, staff was called to the site, where he had reportedly been seen sitting on a rear deck. When staff arrived he was still there, but was startled and flew when approached. His flight was noticeably impaired, according to the release, which noted the owl stayed close to the ground and at close range.

Dakota is now back at WINC in Ottawa.

Once at the center, staff members examined him and determined that he is thin, dehydrated and weak.

At present, he is being kept quiet, resting and recuperating from his ordeal. Dakota’s veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination later today.