A snowy white owl, whose presence at the Coffee Creek Preserve in Chesterton drew flocks of admiring spectators, has died from an apparent electrocution.
Humane Indiana Wildlife on Thursday posted news of the owl’s death on its Facebook page.
“We were pretty devastated when we heard he was found,” said Nicole Harmon, director of wildlife rehabilitation & education for Humane Indiana Wildlife.
The snowy white owl, nicknamed “Olive Oyl” because it was hanging out near a Popeyes restaurant, was found Thursday morning by a man walking on County Road 200 E, just outside Coffee Creek Preserve.
Harmon said that they sent someone to pick up the snowy white owl. A necropsy performed by Humane Indiana Wildlife confirmed that the owl died as a result of electrocution.
Humane Indiana Wildlife received several calls, and Harmon said her organization’s posting on Facebook was shared hundreds of times.
“It’s just so incredible the impact this one bird had on the community, Harmon said.
Harmon believes that there were hundreds of people who got to see the snowy white owl during its 40-plus-day stay in Chesterton. She believes that the owl was temporarily staying in Chesterton during the migratory season.
“Its popularity, due to its centralized hunting location and tendency to stay in the open, drew crowds that forced our community to acknowledge the importance of respecting an animal’s space,” the social media post said.
It was also a time that raised people’s awareness about the potential threats that the owl faced.
People raised concerns about the owl’s proximity to Ind. 49 or to businesses that could be using rodent poisons that could harm the bird.
Because the bird stayed in a field between Popeyes and Culver’s restaurants, people had the unusual opportunity to watch the snowy white owl hunt and rest.
Spectators with cameras camped out in both parking lots, positioning themselves for the best possible views.
“Parents brought children, birders traveled hours, for the opportunity to get a glimpse of Chesterton’s snowy owl,” the post said.
Harmon said the plight of Chesterton’s snowy white owl was an opportunity to educate the public about what millions of other birds experience during migratory season – especially with dangers like highways and powerlines.
“It sheds light on everything these migratory birds experience,” Harmon said.
Jim Woods is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
