Great Horned Owls are the second largest owl found in the US. Their range brings them to Arizona where you may see them in the rafters of hay barns, sometimes in tall palms and, occasionally, if they are wounded or hurt, in a conspicuous place such as on a swing set, or even on the ground with a drooping wing.
These are large birds which hunt at dusk and at night. The female is actually larger than the male. They stand almost 2’ tall and their wing span can be up to and sometimes exceed 4’. What makes these owls so cool, in my opinion, is that they are almost 100% silent when they swoop in for the kill on rodents, small snakes, or other prey. It is only when they are climbing up and away with their prey firmly in their talons, that you might hear a slight, “whoosh,” but, for the most part, they are really prolific hunters because they are so quiet.
From time to time, homeowners have reported that they fear for their small pets or juvenile members of a dog or cat litter that may go outside to play in their yard. If you think that a Great Horned Owl is creating a problem, call a professional, like myself. These Owls, along with all other Owls in Arizona, must be left alone and only handled, if necessary, by a professional who has a permit to work with them. If you find an injured Great Horned Owl or have one that you think could create a problem for you or your pets, please call 1st Response Wildlife 520-260-9517. If it is determined that the owl is hurt or injured, an attempt will be made to capture it and take it to a rehabilitation center.
The Owls pictured here, in fact, are but two of a dozen rescued owls currently being rehabilitated for release. Almost all of these will be ready for release back into the wild-with the exception of a few that have broken their wings or other injuries that may require them to be cared for continually.
Josh's Cell (24/7 Hours): 520-260-9517
Josh Waling is a humane Licensed Animal Trapper who catches and releases wildlife, removing animals including bobcats (lince), snakes, rattlesnakes (serpiente de cascabel), raccoons (mapache), pack rats, gila monsters (monstruos de gila), rabbits (canejo), owls, bats, squirrels (ardilla) , coatimundi (gato solo), exotics, and domestic cats and dogs. He delivers service that is professional and fast and he is available 24/7. Give him a call the next time you hear unusual noises in the attic or crawl spaces in your home or if you see wildlife eating your vegetation, creating nests, and raising their young too close to your pets or children. 520-260-9517 Thanks!
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