Ohio Wildlife Center Rescues Crows as West Nile Cases Rise

A Rescue Attempt for a Distressed Crow

In the parking lot of an architecture firm in Hilliard, Ohio, a distressed crow caught the attention of employees. Recognizing the bird's need for help, they reached out to Leanne Grubb, a wildlife enthusiast who was on her day off. Grubb arrived at the scene with a towel, intending to capture the bird and bring it to the Ohio Wildlife Center for evaluation.

Grubb described her approach to NBC4, explaining that she used a towel to cover and restrain the crow. However, the bird managed to escape, prompting the involvement of another volunteer. With their combined efforts, the crow was eventually placed in a box for transport.

David Donahue, the development and communications manager at the Ohio Wildlife Center, confirmed that Grubb followed the organization’s recommended procedure for capturing and transporting birds. According to guidelines on the center’s website, individuals should wear gloves and use a pillowcase or small towel to safely handle the animal. It is also advised to poke small holes in the container to ensure proper airflow.

After successfully capturing the crow, Grubb took the bird to the Ohio Wildlife Center on Billingsley Road. There, she learned that several crows had been coming in recently, many showing signs of West Nile virus. Initially, the team suspected the bird had a broken wing, but Grubb noted that the virus could cause symptoms that mimic other issues.

While the center could not confirm whether the bird had West Nile virus, Donahue explained that the disease can cause disorientation, which might have led to the injury. The center does not typically test for West Nile due to the high cost, but the symptoms are observable. These include weakness, lethargy, head tilt, and weight loss. West Nile virus is often fatal in American crows.

Donahue shared information about the recent increase in West Nile cases on the center’s social media, noting that the mosquito-borne illness primarily affects birds by attacking their central nervous system. The center has tracked the number of suspected cases over the years:

• 17 in 2023
• 16 in 2024
• 19 so far in 2025, mostly in American crows

To help reduce the spread of the disease, the center advises people to control mosquito populations by removing stagnant water from ponds, buckets, and old tires.

Eventually, Grubb received an email from the Ohio Wildlife Center informing her of the bird’s fate. The message stated that the crow did not survive and that humane euthanasia was the best option due to the severity of its injuries. Donahue confirmed that the bird had a non-rehabilitatable shoulder injury. He added that while around 10 birds were admitted last month, not all were believed to have West Nile virus.

Despite the sad outcome, Grubb remained positive about her actions and highlighted the importance of the Ohio Wildlife Center as a valuable resource. The center, which relies solely on donations, has been aiding wild animals in Ohio since 1984. It offers veterinary care, rehabilitation services, and public events. Donahue mentioned that the center sees approximately 9,000 animals each year.

The Ohio Wildlife Center continues to play a critical role in wildlife conservation and education, offering support to both animals and the community. Their work remains essential in protecting local wildlife and raising awareness about diseases like West Nile virus.