When there are young in its nest, the great horned owl is known to be very hostile. The owl has been observed flying near intruders snapping its bill and hooting. Within its range the great horned owl can be found in dense woodlands of hardwoods and conifers, along cliffs and rocky canyons, and in forest openings. Positive The great horned owl controls harmful rat and mice populations throughout the United States. The great horned owl is capable of destroying game birds and animals.
Poultry is also a favorite of the owls because they are easily captured.
Conservation Despite the reputation that the great horned owl has gotten from angry poultry raisers, they are not as harmful as thought in the past. That they control pest populations has been recognized. References Bent, Arthur. Life Histories of North American Birds of Prey , Part 2. Grosvenor, Gilbert and Alexander Wetmore.