Raptors including buzzards, kites, and barn owls are frequent road casualties, and wildlife rehabilitation can return many to the wild after appropriate treatment.
Road casualties cause acute trauma including fractures, internal injuries, and concussion. Captured injured raptors experience intense fear stress during handling and transport. Rehabilitation success depends on rapid appropriate first aid, specialist avian veterinary care, and extended flight conditioning that ensures birds can hunt effectively before release. Premature release of unfit birds prolongs suffering and reduces survival.