AN OWL left a mark on Herefordshire Wildlife Rescue after it was "ripped" by a glue trap.

It was quite emotional for co-founders of the rescue centre Dr Sasha Norris and Jacqui Mayne when they released the owl back to its home in Ivington.

The barn owl, a rare sight in Britain with only a few thousand pairs left, had been caught in a glue trap intended to trap rodents.

Her feathers were ripped and ragged and unable to propel the bird in the silent flight they use to catch their prey.

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"She had to go through a moult which meant she had to be with us the best part of a year," said Dr Norris.

Ms Mayne first-aided the bird in her home in Hereford and then she was passed over to Dr Norris for long term care until she was able to finally go home.

It had been with Dr Norris in Bodenham for a really long time.

Hereford Times: Herefordshire Wildlife Rescue had an emotional time releasing an owl back into the wild Picture: Herefordshire Wildlife Rescue Herefordshire Wildlife Rescue had an emotional time releasing an owl back into the wild Picture: Herefordshire Wildlife Rescue

"I always find it quite difficult releasing animals knowing that the 'wild' is increasingly controlled by humans," said Dr Norris.

Barn owls are hit by cars at such a high rate in Britain, that their numbers can't increase, she said.

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Glue traps have become illegal in Britain since this owl was rescued, said Dr Norris.

But she is also asking people to slow down on road to help these "gorgeous" creatures.

Trees lining the roadsides reduces their chances of dying hugely as they perch and then fly rather than flying straight across.

This gives them a chance to use the green cross code and stop, look, and listen.

"This bird touched us all and it is quite hard to see her go," said Dr Norris.

"But life is endlessly complex, diverse, fascinating, and beautiful as well challenging and dangerous and we cannot deny her that."

Dr Norris felt happy to have met the owl.

"Thanks for gracing us with your stunning face and fighting spirit, fly safe."