Wildlife of Tennessee · Birds
Great Horned Owl in Tennessee
Protected by federal law, and a nesting owl can defend its nest. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.
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At a Glance
About the Great Horned Owl
Birds nest in vents, chimneys and signs and roost on ledges. Many are protected by federal law, so nests that are in use often must be left alone and prevention is the focus.
Protected Species
Risk: Protected by federal law, and a nesting owl can defend its nest.
Signs You Have One
How to Tell
These are the clues that point to a great horned owl.
- Deep hooting at night
- Pellets of fur and bone beneath roost trees
- Owls roosting on barn rafters and rooftops
A Protected Species
What We Do About the Great Horned Owl
This animal is protected by state or federal law, so we do not harm it. We inspect, advise and, where the law allows, use exclusion with the right timing. If you are unsure, call us before you do anything.
Prevention
Keep Them Away
Simple steps that help for this kind of animal.
- Cover vents and chimneys with heavy mesh
- Use spikes, slopes or netting on ledges
- Do not disturb active nests of protected birds
- Clean droppings with protection
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Block vents with nests, which is a fire hazard, and flocks leave heavy droppings.
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Protected by federal law, so nests that are in use can’t be disturbed.
Free Tool
What Animal Is It? Identifier
Pick where it is, when you notice it and the signs you see, and get a ranked list of the likely Tennessee animals.
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Read the guideHow do I know if I have a great horned owl?
Common signs: deep hooting at night; pellets of fur and bone beneath roost trees; owls roosting on barn rafters and rooftops.
Is a great horned owl dangerous?
Protected by federal law, and a nesting owl can defend its nest. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.
What does Music City Wildlife do about a great horned owl?
This animal is protected by state or federal law, so we do not harm it. We inspect, advise and, where the law allows, use exclusion with the right timing. If you are unsure, call us before you do anything. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.
Free Estimate
Tell Us What Is Going On
Describe what you see, hear or smell and we will get back to you quickly with a plan and a free estimate. For an animal in the house or any emergency, skip the form and call 615-357-7797 any hour.
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Music City Wildlife removes and prevents wildlife problems in homes and businesses across Nashville and Middle Tennessee, from squirrels in the attic to bats in the walls, with humane methods, careful sealing and cleanup.
- 615-357-7797
- Open 24 hours for emergencies
- Nashville, Tennessee · Servicing Middle Tennessee
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