Leave The Great Horned Owls Nesting In Fort Collins Alone!

Apparently, there are some adorable great horned owls that have made a nest and are raising some owlets near the intersection of Carpenter and Timberline Road in Fort Collins. That being said, please stay away from them!

Wildlife officials are asking the public to give them some space and some privacy; you could even be issued a harassment ticket for getting too close!

According to the Fort Collins Coloradoan, the family of great horned owls had almost become a tourist attraction in town. People clamoring to see the majestic birds have caused traffic backups and put the animals in danger. (One owlet already fell out of the next and the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program was called in to get the bird back in the nest safely.)

Now, I can understand the curiosity and wanting to see adorable creatures that we’re not used to seeing, but from the sounds of things some people are being just plain rude!

[A rehabilitation coordinator at RMRP] said he has seen passersby come right under the nest to take pictures, use a branch to hit the tree and get the owls’ attention and clog the intersection.

You want to see the birds? Sit across the street and bring some binoculars! There is no need to disturb the poor creatures, or to cause a traffic jam because you want to get a better view.

Great Horned Owls are protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Act. Onlookers could be ticketed for harassment if they don’t give the owls a wide birth.

Now, just to satisfy your great horned owl fix, here are some lovely videos of them to enjoy, in hopes that you don’t go disturbing the ones that call our town home.

[Coloradoan]