Management of Owls
Last Review/Updated: May 31, 2002
Because owls are important members of the natural community and help to control agricultural pests, it is important that they receive protection. In Alberta, it is unlawful, under the Wildlife Act, to harass or kill an owl or any other bird of prey.
Nesting areas are especially vulnerable to harassment. If a nest is found, it should be avoided until eggs have hatched, or the adults may abandon the nest. A nest should never be approached directly, as adults may attack and seriously injure an intruder. Owlets may also injure themselves trying to jump from the nest. If an adult leaves the nest in your presence, leave the area at once.
As with other wildlife, habitat protection ensures that owls will have a place to nest, hunt and seek shelter. Without adequate habitat, populations cannot survive, regardless of the protection provided to individuals. Private landowners have an important role to play in providing owl habitat by maintaining woodlots, fence rows and windbreaks. Many owls nest in the cavities of dead trees. The preservation of these trees in woodlots also provides homes for many other cavity-nesting birds (woodpeckers, chickadees, etc.) In addition to providing habitat for game species, the Buck for Wildlife Program of the Alberta Conservation Association (off-site) also provides habitat for owls and other nongame wildlife.
