Are Great Horned Owls Endangered? (Threats, Numbers + FAQs)

The great horned owl is not an endangered species. They are widely distributed in almost all habitats in North and South America. Although, owls do tend to avoid areas densely populated by humans.

The great horned owl is considered a species of low conservation concern, with populations stable throughout its range. In some areas, populations of this species are even increasing, proving that it is highly adaptable to changes such as habitat degradation.

The species was endangered in the early 20th century due to hunting. However, the great horned owl is protected and hunting is considered entirely illegal.

Since then, there has been little concern about the owl being threatened. We’ll discuss Bighorn’s resilience in more detail below. Read on to discover more!

The great horned owl is a species of low conservation concern

Are any great horned owl populations endangered?

The great horned owl population is not threatened. This highly adaptable species has maintained its populations so well that it has never been a species of concern. In some areas, great horned owl populations are growing fast enough to outcompete threatened species.

What threats are there to the great horned owl?

Great horned owls are remarkably adaptable and largely impervious to environmental change and human impact—particularly when it comes to habitat degradation and nesting disturbance.

These owls are surprisingly tolerant of such disturbances, adapting quickly to changes in habitat as long as nests are available. However, that doesn’t mean the bird has been without threats.

How have humans affected great horned owls?

Perhaps, humans have had the greatest impact on the great horned owl. Although, there are fewer now than at the beginning of the 20th century. Great horned owls were shot in large numbers before hunting was outlawed in 1970. Of course, this is not sustainable. The population has decreased significantly.

Once hunting was outlawed, eland made a comeback, although some illegal killings continued. Today, hunting is no longer a threat to the great horned owl, as it remains illegal under the protections provided by the Migratory Bird Law Treaty.

However, humans have other impacts on species beyond hunting. Collisions with vehicles and stationary objects—as well as electrocution—can kill a small number of great horned owls. Still, the deaths don’t appear to have had a major impact on the population.

Hunting is an important factor affecting great horned owl populations

What is the greatest threat to the great horned owl?

Pesticides, rodenticides, and other pollutants pose a threat to great horned owls. Owls typically consume these substances through prey that has been exposed to them. As of now, bioaccumulation and dietary exposures have had no significant effects on large horned horn populations, but monitoring is required.

The current most common cause of death for great horned owls is not directly attributable to humans. Starvation mortality among juvenile great horned owls is alarmingly high, especially in years when snowshoe hare populations are low.

The low numbers of snowshoe hares may be due at least in part to an overabundance of great horned owls. However, if owl populations decline significantly, snowshoe populations could be an important factor in their recovery.

predator

Adult great horned owls don’t have many predators. Occasionally larger birds of prey, such as red-shouldered hawks, prey on great horned owls, but attacks are rare. This owl is most vulnerable when it is young.

While in the nest, owls can be preyed upon by crows, ravens and raccoons – if the parents are not nearby to fend off the threat. If a baby owl falls from its nest, it may fall prey to a fox, coyote, lynx or lynx.

Chicks are also vulnerable to predation by these mammals, especially if they are sick.

Adult great horned owls tend not to have many, if any, predators

How can we help great horned owls?

Because the great horned owl is not endangered, we don’t need to do much to help or protect them. They are an extremely adaptable species, as evidenced by their ability to overcome major habitat and environmental changes.

As long as eland has nesting places and ample food sources, populations should remain stable.

Of course, reducing the use of pesticides, rodenticides and other environmental toxins will help ensure the longevity of this species and many others.

How many great horned owls are left in the wild?

The global population of great horned owls in the wild is estimated at 5.7 million individuals. Such large numbers are the reason owls are considered a low conservation species.

Great horned owl coming to land in Arizona

How rare is it to see a great horned owl?

The great horned owl is a widespread species, but rare. The infrequent sightings are mainly due to the owl’s nocturnal activity. They are mainly active at night, when most of us are in bed.

Eland is also very stealthy – they fly silently and are well camouflaged, making them difficult to spot even when they are active during the day.

The best way to observe a great horned owl is to listen to it first. If you can hear a bird well enough to pinpoint its location, if you sit quietly, you will likely see it flitting about in the forest.

Which country has the most great horned owls?

The great horned owl is widely distributed in North and South America, but is most common in the United States and Canada. An estimated 3.9 million great horned owls live across the two countries.

Which state has the most great horned owls?

State-level population estimates are not widely available. However, recent surveys show that the great horned owl is most prevalent in Kentucky, Florida and Louisiana.

Great horned owl inside nesting hole

Why are great horned owls important?

The great horned owl is an important predator. They significantly affect small rodent populations.

If bighorn populations decline, small rodent populations increase significantly, which can ultimately lead to unhealthy populations and increased disease and starvation in small mammals.

Are Great Horned Owls Protected?

The Great Horned Owl is protected under the Migratory Bird Act Treaty (MBTA). The MBTA protects birds from hunting and other human disturbance, such as trapping and keeping them as pets.

Is it illegal to kill a great horned owl?

It is illegal to kill a great horned owl. MBTA protections prohibit the hunting of these birds. However, shooting may be authorized if the owl poses a significant threat to human health or a person’s livelihood, such as killing poultry.