OWLS Wildlife Center

10/20/2026

🦉 Meet Victoria, one of the passionate faces behind OWLS Wildlife Center! 💚

For Victoria, wildlife rehabilitation is about so much more than caring for injured or orphaned animals. It’s about understanding the bigger picture and the important role every animal plays in our ecosystem.

Here’s what Victoria loves most about her work:
“I’m passionate about all aspects of wildlife work, from biology and research to rehabilitation and conservation. You can’t have one without the others.

I love my job because every day is different. Some days are challenging, but every day brings an opportunity to learn and make a difference.

Every animal we save and successfully return to the wild is more than just one life saved. It’s an opportunity to preserve genetic diversity, support healthy wildlife populations, and contribute to the overall biodiversity of our ecosystem.”

That’s what wildlife rehabilitation is all about. It’s not just about saving one animal today. It’s about protecting wildlife and the natural world for generations to come.

We’re grateful to have dedicated people like Victoria on the OWLS team, whose passion for wildlife goes far beyond rehabilitation!

10/19/2026

Happy National Veterinary Technician Week to the incredible vet techs of OWLS Wildlife Center!

Every day, you show up for wildlife in need. From caring for injured patients and administering treatments to monitoring recovery and giving frightened animals a gentle touch, your work helps give them a second chance.

Wildlife patients can’t tell you where it hurts or understand that you’re trying to help. Your patience, knowledge, and compassion make all the difference.

💚 Your expertise helps make recovery possible.

💚 Your compassion brings comfort to animals experiencing fear and pain.

💚 Your dedication helps them move closer to returning to the wild.

We see the long days, the difficult moments, and the heart you put into every patient. Please know how valued and appreciated you are.

Thank you for everything you do for OWLS and the wildlife entrusted to our care, this week and every week.

10/19/2026

As temperatures begin to drop across Eastern North Carolina, our bats face some challenges that many people don’t realize!

Bats rely on insects for food, and when temperatures suddenly fall, insect activity decreases dramatically. This means fewer meals for bats trying to build up the energy reserves they need for winter.

How does the cold affect bats?
Less food: Cold temperatures mean fewer flying insects, making it harder for bats to find enough to eat.

Torpor: To conserve energy, bats can enter a state called torpor, where their body temperature, heart rate, and metabolism slow down.

Seeking shelter: Bats may seek protected spaces such as tree cavities, buildings, and other sheltered areas to escape the cold.

⚠️ Exhaustion: Sudden temperature changes can be especially challenging for bats that are already weak, underweight, or struggling to find food.

What should you do if you find a bat?
>Never touch or handle a bat with bare hands.
>If you find a bat on the ground, unable to fly, or exposed during cold weather, keep people and pets away and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
>Avoid disturbing bats that may be resting or conserving energy.

Bats are incredibly important to our ecosystem! A single bat can consume hundreds of insects in one night, helping naturally control insect populations.

As the seasons change, remember that our wildlife is adjusting too. A little awareness can make a big difference!

OWLS Wildlife Center 252-240-1200

Rehabilitation • Conservation • Education

10/18/2026

Treat yourself to the perfect Crystal Coast getaway while supporting North Carolina's native wildlife!

Enter for your chance to win:

🏡 A 2-night stay at The Coastal Cottage in Beaufort, NC
• Less than a one-mile walk to Beaufort's charming waterfront, unique shops, and local restaurants.

🎁 A gift basket filled with miscellaneous goodies, including a bottle of w**e and more!

Raffle Details
🎟️ $5 per ticket or 3 tickets for $10
📅 Drawing: November 28, 2026

Tickets are available at the Beaufort Farmers Market or online at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/coastal-cottage-getaway-raffle

If paying through PayPal or Venmo, please include "Cottage Raffle" in the comments so we can properly record your entries.

Every ticket purchased helps support the mission of OWLS Wildlife Center, providing rescue, rehabilitation, and care for thousands of injured and orphaned native wild animals across Eastern North Carolina.

Thank you for helping us give wildlife a second chance while giving yourself a chance to enjoy a relaxing coastal escape. Good luck!

10/15/2026

Just a Cormorant Catching Some Rays!

Sometimes, a little sunshine and a chance to spread your wings are just what you need!

This beautiful cormorant is currently in our care at OWLS Wildlife Center after being found weak and unable to fly.

While it continues its rehabilitation, we caught this wonderful moment of it spreading its wings!

Did you know? Unlike many other waterbirds, cormorants have feathers that can become quite wet while diving for fish. You’ll often see them standing with their wings spread wide, allowing their feathers to dry.

Although this is a perfectly normal behavior for cormorants, we think it looks like this one is enjoying a little sunshine and showing off for the camera! ☀️

💚 We’re hopeful that with continued care, rest, and proper nutrition, this beautiful bird will regain its strength and eventually return to the wild where it belongs.

Every patient that comes through our doors has a story, and we’re grateful to be part of their journey.

🦉 OWLS Wildlife Center
Rescue. Rehabilitate. Educate.

10/13/2026

🩷 Hope takes flight at OWLS Wildlife Center!

Our new Breast Cancer Awareness shirts feature two beautiful designs: a soaring pelican carrying a pink ribbon and a pink great horned owl holding an awareness ribbon. Both share a message of hope, strength, and support for everyone affected by breast cancer.

Wear one to honor a loved one, celebrate a survivor, or stand beside someone facing the fight. 🩷

Choose your favorite and shop here:
https://www.outerbankswildlifeshelter.com/category/all-products?sort=newest

10/12/2026

Just Because It Can Fly Doesn't Mean It's Okay!

Fishing line is one of the dangers our coastal birds face, and sometimes the injuries it causes are far worse than what you can see.

When a bird becomes entangled in fishing line or hooked, simply cutting the line and releasing the bird does not mean it’s okay.

Even if the bird appears healthy and can still fly, it may be suffering from:

Hidden injuries from hooks or fishing line wrapped tightly around its body, wings, or legs.

Dehydration and exhaustion from struggling to free itself, sometimes for hours or even days.

Infections or internal injuries that aren’t immediately visible.

Damage to feathers, muscles, or circulation that can affect its ability to survive.

What should you do?
If you encounter a bird tangled in fishing line or caught on a hook, please don’t just cut the line and let it go.

If you can safely contain the bird, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance. If you cannot safely contain it, call for help rather than risking injury to yourself or the bird.

A bird that flies away isn’t necessarily a bird that will survive.

We see firsthand the devastating effects fishing line and hooks can have on wildlife. A little extra care and a phone call could mean the difference between life and death.

💚 Please share this message. You never know who might encounter a bird in need.

10/11/2026

10/08/2026

A cleaner coast means a safer home for our wildlife! 💚

OWLS Wildlife Center is excited to be part of Clear the Coast, hosted by the Parrot Heads!

Every year, we see firsthand the devastating impact that litter, discarded fishing line, hooks, and other debris can have on wildlife. From seabirds becoming entangled to marine animals accidentally ingesting trash, what gets left behind can have serious consequences.

Events like Clear the Coast are a wonderful reminder that small actions can make a BIG difference!

A huge thank you to the Parrot Heads for organizing this event and bringing our community together to help protect our beautiful coastline and the wildlife that calls it home.

Protecting wildlife starts with protecting their habitat!