Owls have always fascinated humans with their large, forward-facing eyes, round faces, and mysterious nature. If you’ve ever wondered whether these majestic birds enjoy the company of people or if they prefer to be left alone, you’re not alone.
With some owls being kept as pets and appearing in popular culture, it’s natural to ask: are owls friendly to humans?
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: owls are not naturally friendly to humans. Most owls prefer to be left undisturbed and do not actively seek out human interaction or companionship.
Wild Owls Typically Avoid Humans
Owls Are Solitary Creatures
In the wild, owls tend to be solitary birds that prefer to hunt and roost alone. They are territorial and will defend their habitats from other owls or animals. Owls primarily interact with other owls during the breeding season when they choose mates and raise offspring.
Otherwise, they lead mostly solitary lives.
This natural tendency to avoid others likely extends to humans. Since humans are not a normal part of an owl’s habitat, wild owls typically try to steer clear of people when possible. They are wary of any unknown creature entering their environment.
There are a few reasons why wild owls avoid contact with humans:
- Owls are nocturnal while humans are mostly active during the day. This reduces interactions between the two species.
- Owls rely on their sharp senses of hearing and vision for hunting and survival. The presence of humans can be disruptive and stressful for owls.
- Wild owls do not view humans as a food source or potential mate. Therefore, they have no natural reason to seek out human company.
- Owls are prey for some larger animals. Being around humans could potentially make owls more conspicuous to predators.
In general, owls perceive humans as unusual visitors to their territories that should be avoided when possible. Their solitary natures incline wild owls to keep a safe distance from unknown creatures like humans.
Human Presence Causes Stress
In addition to their solitary tendencies, owls avoid humans because human presence causes stress and disruptions for the birds. Owls rely on their acute vision and hearing to hunt prey and monitor for predators.
Humans make a lot of visual and auditory disturbances that could throw off an owl’s abilities.
Some examples of stressful human behaviors include:
- Loud noises from conversation, music, machinery, etc.
- Sudden movements that catch an owl’s attention
- Bright flashes from cameras
- Getting too close to nests or roosting spots
- Leaving traces of scent from food, trash, perfumes, etc.
Excessive stress from human disturbances could have negative impacts on owls, such as:
- Abandoning nests or fledglings
- Altering sleep patterns
- Avoiding hunting in good habitats
- Increase in energy use while stressed
- Greater exposure to predators if startled and flushed into the open
Owls that live near human populations may become accustomed to some level of human activity. But overall, owls prefer to keep their distance to avoid unnecessary stressors and disruptions to their survival behaviors.
Their wary nature helps protect themselves and their offspring from unknown threats, including humans.
Certain Species Are More Tolerant
Barn Owls Adapt Well to Human Landscapes
Barn owls (Tyto alba) are one of the more human-tolerant owl species. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, barn owls readily adapt to living in close proximity to humans. They often nest in barns, silos, and other structures on farms or near human settlements.
A 2022 study published in Ecology and Evolution found that barn owls in Israel actually had higher breeding success in more developed, human-dominated areas compared to natural habitats.
This tolerance likely comes from the barn owl’s status as one of the most widespread owl species in the world. They live on every continent except Antarctica. Over centuries, barn owls have learned that living near human agriculture provides good access to the rodents they prey upon.
Their adaptability means barn owls can thrive almost anywhere there are open structures for roosting and plenty of mice and voles to eat.
Burrowing Owls Can Thrive Near People
The tiny burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is another species known to adapt well to human presence. These pint-sized raptors stand under 10 inches tall and get their name from their habit of nesting underground in burrows and tunnels. According to the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, burrowing owls often live in close proximity to airports, golf courses, cemeteries, and agricultural lands irrigated by humans.
A 2020 study published in The Condor: Ornithological Applications found that burrowing owl populations did just as well nesting along irrigation canals in California’s Imperial Valley as they did at more natural desert sites.
Their ability to dig burrows and nest in open, short-grass areas with low vegetation means they can thrive on the edges of farms and developed areas, provided there are few trees or tall structures that could provide perches for predators.
Owls Raised in Captivity May be Exception
Imprinting Creates Bond With Humans
Owls that are raised in captivity from a very young age often form strong bonds with their human caretakers. This process is called imprinting and happens when owls are exposed to humans during their critical imprinting period, usually the first 2-4 weeks of life.
Imprinted owls see their caretakers as surrogate parents and will often fly to them voluntarily or allow handling that wild owls would never tolerate.
While imprinting can create very tame owls that are comfortable around humans, it also means these owls lack natural fear of people that keeps wild owls at a safe distance. Imprinted owls may beg for food, follow their caretakers persistently, or become aggressive if their needs are not met.
Caretakers must be prepared for the intensive time commitment and specialized care imprinted owls require.
Captive Owls Used for Education
Many zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and falconry centers keep imprinted owls specifically for educational purposes. These owls serve as “ambassador animals” that help teach visitors about owl behavior, biology, and conservation.
Educational owls are often bred in captivity rather than taken from the wild. They are handled frequently from a very young age to socialize them to crowds and accustom them to travel. However, their enclosures are kept as enriching and naturalistic as possible, with opportunities for flying and expressing natural behaviors.
Their caretakers have specialized training in raptor handling and education.
While these owls make effective educational tools, many experts argue imprinting should be avoided when possible to allow owls to develop natural behaviors. Educational facilities must balance outreach goals with an imprinted owl’s welfare needs.
Interacting With Wild Owls is Discouraged
Don’t Feed Wild Owls
Feeding wild owls can lead to serious harm. When owls start to associate humans with food sources, they can become too tame and lose their natural fear of people. This makes them more susceptible to things like car accidents, pet attacks, and human cruelty.
According to the Owl Research Institute, nearly 70% of juvenile owls brought to wildlife rehab centers arrive malnourished or injured because they approached humans looking for an easy meal.
It’s also worth noting that human food simply isn’t good for owls. Their digestive systems aren’t designed to handle things like bread, popcorn, or cheeseburgers. Feeding them inappropriate foods can cause metabolic disease and other health issues.
If you truly want to help your local owl population, the best thing to do is let them forage naturally. Encourage biodiversity by planting native species that attract the small rodents and insects they like to eat. You can also install nest boxes suited to the owl species in your area.
Give Space and Respect Territory
Owls are notoriously territorial creatures. They often react aggressively when their personal space is encroached upon. According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, it’s best to keep at least 30 yards between yourself and a wild owl to avoid causing undue stress.
Intentionally provoking territorial behaviors like hooting and wing feather ruffling can interrupt courtship, driving off potential mates. It’s best to simply leave owls alone while they go about their daily business.
If you notice signs of aggression like swooping, darting flights, or snapping bills, calmly move away.
Research has found that just 10-15 minutes of human disturbance per day over the breeding season can reduce the number of young produced. Limiting disruptions allows owls to focus their energy on parenting rather than fending off perceived threats.
Conclusion
While the mysterious aura of owls continues to intrigue people, most members of the general public should admire these raptors from a distance. Respecting the space of wild owls and not interfering with their habitat or behavior is the best way to coexist with these captivating creatures.
