WHILE kite flying is deemed an innocent entertaining activity for children, it served as a death trap for a grass owl in Davao City.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Davao posted on Monday, June 8, on its official Facebook page that a grass owl was found dead at NHA Bangkal after sustaining serious wounds from a kite's string.
"Although kite flying is an unwinding and fun activity, this poses a threat to our wildlife. Thus, we are urging the public to be responsible and sensitive to our animal species," DENR-Davao said in its post.
The incident was reported to DENR-Davao on June 6 and the grass owl was turned over to the same office.
In their assessment, the grass owl sustained a broken wing, which might be a result of its fall that caused its death.
"This also serves as a reminder that any act that injures or kills our wildlife is a violation to RA 9147 or Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act," DENR-Davao added.
DENR reminded the public of the possible charges that an individual may face if they will be proven guilty for involvement in the injury, exploitation, and death of wildlife.
"Another wildlife was down due to human activities. Let's all please be better stewards of the environment," it added.
Ronald Amacion, DENR Davao Regional Hotline focal person, said in an interview Monday, June 8, they have received three reports of owl sightings within the city from April to June, one of which died while the two remain alive.
The owls were referred and turned over to their office by the residents.
These owls were spotted in Nova Tierra, Mintal, and this recently in NHA Bangkal, Davao City.
He said that when the concerned citizens found the grass owl in Bangkal, it was already dying. Meanwhile, DENR Davao urged the public to report any environmental concerns through their hotline numbers- 0906-378-8784 (Globe) or 0947-611-6083 (Smart).