What Animal Preys on Owls?

Although owls watch over their young closely, they can’t always keep them from harm’s way, especially since they must leave their owlets to hunt. Foxes and prowling cats, such as bobcats, have been known to take advantage of an unguarded nest to consume owlets. These predators must be stealthy when approaching an owl’s nest; adult owls can easily harm or kill four-footed attackers and will not hesitate to do so when protecting their young.

Owls are formidable birds of prey, but that doesn’t mean other strong birds of prey always leave owls alone. Eagles and hawks have been observed attacking owls, but they usually aren’t looking for food. The birds may be involved, instead, in a territorial dispute. Disputes are not common, though, between other birds of prey and the large owl species. Thanks to large owls’ strength, eagles and hawks will often seek other hunting grounds rather than fight.

In the West, owls are often seen as wise, peaceful creatures, but many owl species are extremely territorial -- they will do whatever it takes to protect their territory and their nests, including fighting other owls. Territorial owl species, such as the snowy owl and the great horned owl, have been known to injure and even kill other owls. Owls don’t engage in this behavior for the sake of eating another bird. Food, however, is a large part of the motivation behind their actions. Too many owls in one territory means less food for all.

Perhaps one of the largest dangers to owls are two-legged mammals. While humans don’t prey on owls for food, they do cause damage to owls’ habitats. As human populations expand and urban areas become larger, owls lose precious hunting and nesting grounds. With grounds disappearing, owls must compete against each other for fewer resources. Automobiles, too, are a danger to owls. When they hunt and land along a roadway, they risk being hit and killed by cars.