Chatham County Sheriff’s Deputy Wes Chafa received a strange call for assistance on the night of Sunday, February 18. Chafa was called out to save a great horned owl ensnared in the front grill and bumper of a vehicle. The driver had unwittingly collided with the bird along U.S. Highway 64.

Chafa, an avid outdoorsman, eventually freed the owl. A North Carolina Wildlife officer confirmed the bird was stressed but, somehow, unharmed. After holding the bird for about 30 minutes to calm it down, Chafa carried it uphill to a nearby wooden fence and placed it on a perch. It flew away a few minutes later.

Chatham County Sheriff’s Deputy Wes Chafa holding the great horned owl. (Image via Chatham County Sheriff’s Office)

“This was one of the most unusual calls I’ve answered,” said Chafa. “And one of the most memorable.”

Great horned owls are the largest species of owl in North Carolina, with some adults measuring above two feet tall. Their wingspans can reach as long as five feet.

 

Featured image via Chatham County Sheriff’s Office

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
Chatham County Sheriff's Office Rescues Raleigh Man Missing Since Monday
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office says it located a missing Raleigh man Thursday morning. Preston Scott Hill, 35, was found injured in the Haw River near Pittsboro, “in an area of difficult terrain,” according to a release. A helicopter was used to access Hill’s location, and he was then transported to UNC Hospitals in Chapel […]
Sheriff's Office Charges, Seeks Pittsboro Man and Goldston Woman over Debit Card Fraud
A pair of Chatham County residents face fraud charges after stealing a debit card from the mail and making cash withdrawals from its account.
Chatham County Sheriff's Office Arrests Sex Offender for Failing to Register Online ID
He was charged with felony failure to register new online identifiers after officers found a device with an unregistered online account.
Chatham County Sheriff: New York Man Charged with Financial Card Fraud, Identity Theft
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office is charging a New York City man with financial card fraud and identity theft following an investigation into unauthorized purchases made with a victim’s card. Zhiyuan Zhao, 41, of Flushing, N.Y. is charged with one count of felony financial card fraud, one count of felony identity theft and four counts […]
Longtime Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson Sworn in as District 3 Commissioner
Longtime Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson recently stepped into a new role as a county commissioner for District 3.
The Morning News: Expanding the Arts, Chatham Transit, Michael Lombardi
In today's news: the Eno Arts Mill is set to reopen, UNC moves to expand the Ackland Art Museum, and Michael Lombardi speaks out.
Steve Maynor Sworn In as New Chatham County Sheriff; Will Run for Full Term in November
Steve Maynor was officially sworn in as the new Chatham County Sheriff during a ceremony in Pittsboro Thursday, replacing Mike Roberson.
Pittsboro Man Arrested For Domestic Violence Against Wife and Son, Killing Dog
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Pittsboro man after a domestic violence incident led to an armed standoff with police.
The Morning News: 'Hello, Dolly!' at PlayMakers, Animal Cruelty Charges in Siler City
In today's news: PlayMakers Repertory Company's Summer Youth Conservatory celebrates its 20th year with the musical "Hello, Dolly!"
More Than 20 Animals Up For Adoption Following Chatham County Animal Cruelty Investigation
Twenty-two chickens, two turkeys, a rabbit and a dog are available for adoption after they were seized during an animal cruelty investigation.
›