WASHINGTON — The snowy owl that made headlines in the nation’s capital earlier this year has been found dead just off the shoulder of a Minnesota highway. The location was close to where the owl had been released into the wild on April 19.

The owl was originally injured when it was hit by a Metrobus in late January. After receiving treatment at the National Zoo, the bird recuperated at City Wildlife before being sent to The University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center in St. Paul.

The owl’s replacement wings appeared to be working well, and she had met health benchmarks indicative of fitness for the wild, according to the Center. However, based on the placement of the body, the Center believes the bird was struck again by a vehicle.

Workers identified the owl by a band they had placed on its leg.

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