The great horned owl is one of the most powerful and feared predators of the night. With its large size, piercing yellow eyes, and impressive horns, it may seem like this bird has no natural enemies. However, even the mighty great horned owl has a few weaknesses and sources of fear. In this article, we will explore what makes this formidable hunter afraid.
Other Owls
One of the great horned owl’s main sources of anxiety comes from other owls. Though it is large and usually dominates its territory, the great horned owl watches out for a few owl species that can pose a threat:
Barred Owl
The barred owl is slightly smaller than the great horned owl but is similarly aggressive. It has been known to attack and even kill great horned owls when defending its territory or competing for food. The barred owl’s threatening hoots are enough to put a great horned owl on high alert.
Great Gray Owl
Though not as aggressive, the much larger great gray owl can overpower a great horned owl, especially if defending a nest. Size matters when owls establish dominance, so the great horned owl knows to steer clear of its larger cousin.
Snowy Owl
During winter migrations, snowy owls from the Arctic sometimes overlap with great horned owls. Being both hungry migrants and ferocious defenders of territories, snowy owls often dominate in altercations between the two species. Great horned owls do their best to avoid confrontations.
Other Birds of Prey
The great horned owl also faces threats from hawks, eagles, and other powerful raptors:
Red-Tailed Hawk
Though they prey on different animals, territorial disputes between great horned owls and red-tailed hawks sometimes turn violent. Both birds are strong and aggressive, but red-tails have the advantage of being active during the day. They can more easily ambush a great horned owl roosting during daylight hours.
Bald Eagle
Bald eagles compete with great horned owls for food and nesting sites. An angry bald eagle could do serious damage with its sharp talons and large size. Great horned owls are wary whenever they encounter this American symbol.
Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon can reach speeds of over 200 mph when diving for prey. This makes it risky for a slower great horned owl to tangle with an angry falcon. Though smaller, the peregrine’s speed and agility help it dominate its slower cousin.
Other Predators
A few mammalian and reptilian predators also strike fear into the great horned owl’s heart:
Coyotes
As opportunistic hunters, coyotes sometimes stalk great horned owl nests and take eggs or fledglings. Though adult owls can fend them off with sharp talons, an owl nesting in an area with lots of coyotes may lose their young.
Foxes
Foxes raid owl nests less frequently than coyotes but are still a threat, especially to young owls and eggs. Their excellent climbing skills allow them to reach nests other predators can’t.
Snakes
Though great horned owls sometimes eat snakes, there are a few large constrictor species that can prey on owls, including rat snakes and pythons. This keeps roosting owls alert to any slithering threats.
Humans
The biggest threat faced by great horned owls comes from humans. Habitat loss, cars, power lines, illegal shooting, pesticides, and more take a heavy toll on owl populations. Great horned owls have learned to fear any humans that approach their nests or hunting grounds.
Habitat Loss
As human infrastructure expands, it destroys the forests and wetlands where great horned owls live and hunt. Nesting sites and food sources are lost, leaving the owls vulnerable.
Collisions
Owls flying at night sometimes collide with cars, trucks, or planes, as well as strike wires and cell towers. These accidents maim and kill thousands of owls each year.
Shooting
Some people still illegally shoot great horned owls out of outdated fears they will attack pets or livestock. Education on owl behavior has reduced this threat but not eliminated it.
Pesticides
Chemicals sprayed on farms and yards accumulate in prey animals that owls ingest. These toxins then kill or sterilize the raptors. Awareness of these impacts has improved practices in recent decades.
Defense Mechanisms
To defend itself against these many threats, the great horned owl relies on several behavioral adaptations:
- Camouflage – Its mottled brown and beige plumage allows it to blend into tree bark and hide from predators.
- Cryptic perches – It roosts in secluded spots like dense evergreens that conceal it from threats.
- Nocturnality – Being active at night reduces its exposure to most diurnal raptors.
- Aggressive displays – When confronted, it uses imposing postures, loud hoots, and wing-beating to startle enemies.
- Sharp talons – Its powerful claws can injure most animals that attack.
- Mobbing – Mated pairs will attack and dive-bomb predators together.
Fears of Mother Owls
Mother great horned owls face additional fears beyond their own safety. Once they are breeding, mothers must also protect:
- Eggs – females incubate eggs for 30-37 days, leaving them vulnerable.
- Hatchlings – newly hatched owlets are blind, featherless, and helpless.
- Fledglings – young owls still learning to fly are prone to mishaps and predators.
Mother owls are ferociously protective of offspring and nests. But they also experience high anxiety and stress levels during breeding season as they strive to protect the next generation.
Conclusion
The great horned owl sits atop the food chain and yet still lives with daily threats all around it. Its role as an apex nocturnal predator comes with both great power and great danger. But evolution has equipped it well to manage most of these hazards. As long as we humans minimize our impacts, this magnificent raptor will continue ruling the night skies with strength and beauty for ages to come.
