KANSAS CITY, Mo. — “Watch your pets!”
That was the message the city of Fairway, Kan., sent out to residents Friday with an unusual piece of advice: Stay vigilant for owls when walking small pets outdoors.
“Unfortunately, our pets can be mistaken as other prey,” the city wrote. “It was recently reported that an owl did tragically attack a small dog that was out at night.”
The city warned residents to be on the lookout for great horned owls, one of the largest species in North America. According to the K-State Extension office, this is one of the two most common types of owl spotted in Johnson County. The other is the barred owl, which is named for the pattern of vertical streaks on its body.
While owl attacks on humans and pets are extremely rare, following some best practices around these large birds can keep both you and them safe from harm.
What should I do if I see an owl?
Owls are solitary, nocturnal birds that use the nighttime to hunt for small prey animals like mice and rats. Your chances of spotting one in densely populated areas are slim — so if you do see one, enjoy this rare treat that many birdwatchers seek out.
The best course of action if you see an owl is to remain quiet and keep a respectful distance. Owls are easily startled and can be very protective of their young. As long as you don’t disturb the owl by approaching it, making loud noises or shining lights at it, your chances of the owl behaving aggressively are extremely low.
If you see an owl sitting or lying on the ground, it might be sick or injured. Report the bird to your local wildlife rehabilitation center as soon as possible and try to stay nearby to help ward off potential predators.
Don’t attempt to handle an injured owl yourself unless it’s in imminent danger, like if it’s unable to move off a busy road. If necessary, gently pick up the owl using a towel or blanket and place it in a sturdy cardboard box.
How can I keep small pets safe from owls?
Owls are at far greater danger from household pets than the other way around. Still, Fairway officials recommend keeping a close eye on your pets and their surroundings, especially when walking outside early in the morning or just after sunset.
While most pets are too large to make suitable prey for an owl, small dogs and cats may be at risk — especially if you let them off their leashes or out of your sight. Always keep your pet on a leash when you take them outdoors, and don’t let them wander the neighborhood freely.
Cornell University’s ornithology lab, one of the leading sources of bird information in the U.S., advises keeping all outdoor pets contained in an enclosure with a roof to keep them safe from birds of prey and other hazards.
This includes dog houses, enclosed patios for cats also known as “catios,” and kennels for other pets that live outdoors.
Do owls ever attack humans?
Owls almost never approach humans, choosing to stay away from creatures larger than themselves. On very rare occasions, an owl might “divebomb” a human that gets too close to its nest as a means of protecting its eggs or chicks.
“The best thing a person being attacked can do is spread their arms out and be big while simultaneously making as much noise as possible,” the K-State Extension office writes in an article.
