Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

birds

3 Can hurt you danger 3 out of 5

Photo by Greg Hume (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

What you should know

Strong enough to take prey over five pounds, so very small pets are worth watching at sunrise and sunset. Real attacks are rare.

Its feathers are built to be silent. It can fly right over your head and you will not hear a thing.

Treat it with respect, keep your distance, and tell a grown-up if you see one up close.

Always ask a grown-up before you touch any animal or plant. If something bites or stings you, tell an adult right away.

Read more about the great horned owl at Wikipedia.