Great Horned Owl

owl · predator · night hunter · Americas

Master of the dark. Great horned owls are large, adaptable owls found throughout the Americas, making them the most widely distributed true owl on the continent. They hunt mostly at night, using their incredible hearing and silent wings to sneak up on prey.

Hunters of many meals. These owls love to eat rabbits and hares, but they're not picky eaters. They also hunt rats, mice, voles, birds, reptiles, and even amphibians, making them one of the few regular predators brave enough to catch skunks.

Super sensitive hearing. Great horned owls have amazing hearing that helps them hunt in complete darkness. They can locate prey by sound alone, pinpointing exactly where a mouse or vole is moving under the snow or leaves.

Night shift workers. These owls are nocturnal, meaning they're awake and hunting when most other animals are sleeping. Their big forward-facing eyes see perfectly in the dark, making the night their favorite hunting time.