MSA wildlife biologists release the rehabilitated owl to the wild on the Hanford Site.

RICHLAND, Wash. – Wildlife biologists at the Hanford Site released a rehabilitated barn owl back into the wild this month after employees found the bird on the ground in apparent distress in late September.

   The employees had called biological control specialists with EM Richland Operations Office contractor Mission Support Alliance (MSA), who were able to safely remove and transport the owl to the Blue Mountain Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center in Pendleton, Ore.

   After less than a week of rehab, the owl was transferred to MSA’s ecological monitoring program and released on the site. 

   “We were very fortunate the volunteers at Blue Mountain Wildlife were able to fully rehabilitate the owl,” said Justin Wilde, an MSA wildlife biologist. “Releasing an animal back into its environment is a rare opportunity for us. Today was very exciting.” 

   MSA’s ecological monitoring program is responsible for monitoring, managing and determining potential impacts to habitats, plants, birds and animals on the site. Hanford is home to numerous species of animals such as elk, badgers, and over 200 different species of birds, including owls and bald eagles.

   Blue Mountain Wildlife is a volunteer nonprofit organization focused on wildlife rehab and environmental education. To learn more about Blue Mountain, including how to volunteer, click here

   MSA provides cross-cutting services to EM and other site contractors to facilitate cleanup activities. MSA is responsible for areas such as site infrastructure, utilities, transportation, environmental integration, safety, emergency services and training, external affairs, information management and portfolio management.