Ventura County Firefighters pulled an owl out of a suburban backyard pool after a nighttime hunting trip turned chaotic. The bird, found clinging to the pool’s edge, was guided out by a crew that used a leaf skimmer to pull it toward the grass.
The rescue, captured on video, showed the owl perched beside the water with eyes wide open, apparently unharmed. Firefighters praised the low‑impact method, noting it avoided the risk of injury from more forceful extraction.
Owls, common in Ventura County, often mistake pool surfaces for open ground while hunting insects attracted by lights. The incident highlights the potential hazards of residential pools for nocturnal wildlife.
After freeing the bird, the crew contacted the Ojai Raptor Centre, where the owl is receiving veterinary care. The centre confirmed that the animal shows no serious injuries and is stable.
Officials urge residents to contact local wildlife rehabilitators before attempting rescues, citing the risk of harm to both animal and rescuer. The incident has prompted the fire department to review its wildlife response protocols.