NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — A barred owl killed in Central Park last month after crashing into a truck reportedly had high levels of rat poison in her system, which could have impaired her flying.
A necropsy report obtained by The City, showed levels of poison found in Barry the Owls’ bloodstream put her at risk for a “fatal hemorrhage,” even without the collision.
Barry ultimately died for blunt-force trauma, according to the report.
According to The City, the veterinarian who performed the necropsy could not determine whether 2-year-old Barry was under duress prior to hitting the truck.
It remains unclear if the owl was deliberately poisoned.
“The bromadiolone [rat poison] level is potentially lethal but it is unclear if it played a role in the death of this owl,” the necropsy report said, according to The City.
It appears Barry was exposed to “multiple anticoagulant rodenticides.” Vets also "detected traces of a rat and fish scales inside her," The City reported.
The barred owl was a popular bird among watchers in the park, and a vigil was held last month in her honor, under her favorite tree – near the Boathouse in the Ramble.
"The barred owl's presence in Central Park brought so much joy, reminding all of us that the Park is a vital greenspace for all New Yorkers, including the wildlife that call it home," said The Central Park Conservancy.
Photographer Eric Balcanoff described his first encounter with Barry in Central Park as “magical” and told WCBS 880 the owl brought him joy, comfort and stability through a difficult stretch that included unemployment.