Eurasian Eagle-Owl
Bubo bubo
✓What to do NOW
- 1The eagle owl is the largest nocturnal raptor in Europe: up to 75 cm, wingspan up to 180 cm
- 2WARNING: 8 cm talons with gripping force equivalent to a large falcon — do not approach alone if possible
- 3Call the CRAS urgently before any manoeuvre
- 4If containment is needed: cover with a heavy blanket from behind, NOT from the front
- 5Two people: one restrains wings with the blanket, the other grasps both feet with sturdy gloves
- 6Use a large, sturdy container — not thin cardboard boxes
✗NEVER do this
- ✗Do not attempt to pick it up bare-handed under any circumstances
- ✗Do not use boxes that are too small — the eagle owl needs space to avoid injury
- ✗Do not keep in the house beyond the strictly necessary time
- ✗Do not feed without CRAS guidance
⚠ Important note
The eagle owl is an extremely rare and protected species: finding one injured is an extraordinary event. Document the find with photos of the location, GPS coordinates, and time of discovery, and report to the CRAS immediately. The main causes of death are electrocution on power lines and vehicle collisions. Species classified as SPEC 3 (declining in Europe).
⚖ Legal protection
SPEC 3 species (declining in Europe). Protected by the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) Annex I and Law 157/1992. Deliberate disturbance is a serious criminal offence.
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Full guide
Eagle owl found injured: Europe's largest bird requires maximum caution
The eagle owl is the largest nocturnal raptor in Europe. With a wingspan up to 188 cm and talons 7 cm long, even when injured it's a potentially dangerous animal. A guide to safe rescue.
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