When Owl and Car Collide

Owl Collides with Car

A Monroe man was driving at around 6:35 a.m. on Dec. 18 when an owl flew into his car at the intersection of Stonehedge Lane and Wheeler Road. Police said the bird was alive when the driver stopped and removed it from the roadway, placing it along the tree line and out of traffic.

An officer searched the area, but was unable to find the stunned owl. Police believe it recovered and took flight shortly after being struck.

"That's common early morning stuff," said Monroe Animal Control Officer Ed Risko.

On average, Risko said he receives about four calls a year involving large birds flying into vehicles.

Rabbits in the Road

A Monroe woman reported seeing two domestic rabbits in the road on Maple Drive — near the intersection of Maple Terrace — at around 6:43 a.m. on Dec. 14. Police said she stopped and tried to catch the rabbits, but that the animals fled.

An officer later searched the area, but could not find the rabbits, according to the report. Police said there were no reports of missing rabbits in the area, and believe the animals either escaped from their owner or were abandoned near the dog pound.

The safety of the domesticated rabbits appears bleak.

Monroe Animal Control Officer Ed Risko said, "Some adjust to the wild. Most don't."

A Lost Dog

A chocolate brown poodle was reported missing from his home on Princess Wenonah Drive in Shelton on Dec. 18. Police said the dog is two-and-a-half-years-old and weighs about 60 pounds.

Mmm, Homemade Dog Cookies

Donations continue to roll in for the Monroe Animal Shelter, 447 Purdy Hill Road, and staff members express their gratitude for everyone's generosity.

On Dec. 13, St. Jude Church donated 50 pounds of dry dog food and 24 cans of cat food.

That same day, the Lewis family of Trumbull gave the shelter 13 5.5 ounce cans of dog food, and the Magri family of Shelton made a donation of $50.

On Dec. 14, the Coughlin family donated dog treats.

On Dec. 16, The Outreach Group of Burr Elementary School in Fairfield gave the facility five bags, each filled with 24 homemade dog cookies.

Wildlife Casualties

A deer was killed after being struck by a vehicle on Monroe Turnpike on Dec. 18. A State Deer Kill Incident Report was filled out and the Connecticut Department of Transportation removed the carcass from the state road.

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A sick or injured skunk was seen in a yard on Williamsburg Drive on Dec. 13. An officer searched the area, but could not find the animal. No exposures were reported.

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A sick or injured coyote was seen on Oak Wood Drive on Dec. 13. An officer searched the area, but was unable to locate the animal. Repeat patrols were scheduled. Police believe no public safety hazard is presented by the coyote.