A young barn owl first spotted in Bauang, La Union has been successfully returned to the wild, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said.
Resident Gil Elopre discovered the owl in his rice field at Barangay Nagrecban last May 10 and called authorities to report the incident, according to a report.
The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in La Union, conducted the rescue operation after receiving the call.
Barn owls in the Philippines have a stable population, however the DENR still gives importance to this wildlife species as it contributes to the balance of the ecological system.
The DENR reiterated its warning on possession, transportation, and importation of wildlife animals.
Killing a wildlife is punishable by 12 years of jail time or by a fine of P1 million, while up to six years of jail and/or a P500,000 fine awaits violators for injuring wildlife.
Any sightings of injured, sick, or abandoned wildlife shall be reported to DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) through its mobile numbers 0917 868 3367 and 0917 885 3367 or through the DENR Action Center and Hotline 8888.
