Homeowner hears scratching noises for days, then workers discover surprising creatures
A homeowner heard scratching noises for days in their Washington home before workers made a surprising discovery.
Three barn owls had gotten trapped behind a fireplace insert and in a chimney in Moxee, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police said in a March 21 Facebook post.
Sgt. Schroeder and fireplace technicians responded to the Yakima County home Jan. 22.
The workers found one bird and removed the fireplace insert.
A second barn owl was discovered, but wildlife officials said the scratching noises continued.
“A third barn owl was still trapped in the chimney above the fireplace dampers,” officials said.
That owl was also removed, and all three animals were taken to a wildlife rehabilitator.
It’s likely they went into the chimney to find shelter or make a nest, officials told McClatchy News.
Moxee is a less than 10-mile drive southeast from Yakima.
This story was originally published March 21, 2025 at 2:51 PM with the headline "Homeowner hears scratching noises for days, then workers discover surprising creatures."
