Great Gray Owl Invasion

PRESS RELEASE FEBRUARY 16, 1996

Friday, February 16

RARE NORTHERN GREAT GRAY OWLS INVADE THE TWIN CITIES AREA

The Raptor Center University of Minnesota

Contact person: Mary Beth Garrigan 624-3031 Ron Osterbauer 624-1276

The Raptor Center has received an increased number of calls regarding sightings of great gray owls in Minnesota, primarily in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. The great gray owl which normally winters in the northern part of Minnesota may be having a rough time surviving this year due to the increased snow depth with an ice crust and severe temperatures. Due to these poor hunting conditions it is suspected that the owls are moving south to find food. The Raptor Center has had five great gray owls turned in since November two of which have died. Three of the five owls where starvation cases and one was hit by a car the other shot. It is typical to see these large owls hunting during daylight hours. The Raptor Center is asking the public to be aware of these owls and to call the center at 612-624-4745 if anyone finds an owl that is injured. To learn more about great gray owls owls internet users can access TRCUs Web site at http://www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu and can also email The Raptor Center at raptor@umn.edu

• GIF's and story of a Minnesota Great Gray Owl