Snowy Owl Injured in D.C. Now in Rehab in Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A rare snowy owl whose plight drew national attention after it was apparently hit by a bus in the nation's capital is now in rehab in Minnesota.

The injured owl was found in downtown Washington in late January and taken to the National Zoo before being transferred to a D.C. wildlife rehabilitation center.

Now it's at The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota, which has expertise in replacing damaged feathers.

The Raptor Center says the owl's prognosis for release is good.

The bird will get a test flight next week and then begin an exercise program to strengthen its muscles sufficiently so it can be set free.

Snowy owls are native to the Arctic but were seen all along the East Coast this winter, as far south as Florida.

(photo courtesy: City Wildlife)