Young Owls Branching Out In Downtown Casper [VIDEO]
In the famed Edward Lear poem, "The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea/In a beautiful pea-green boat". In this case in Casper, though, the pair were having a staring contest through a downtown window. The young great horned owl took up residence on the second-story window ledge of a downtown apartment. Resident Jacquie Anderson says she's dubbed the curious bird "Oliver", and it's spent much Friday morning hanging out on the ledge, and eyeing her cat Sophie.
Wyoming Game and Fish Officials say young owls in the Casper area are starting to “branch.” They start their nesting process early in the year with eggs being laid in January and February. The young great-horned owl’s feet are fully developed at about six weeks old, and they use their strong talons and start to wander away or “branch” from the nest. Story continues below video.
But not to worry, the owl parents know exactly where they are and will continue to deliver food to them as they grow stronger and perfect their flying skills. Wildlife Biologist Heather O’Brien says it takes a few weeks to learn to fly, and you may see these owls in strange places.
“If they are in an area where they are safe, just enjoy the view, but if it looks like they could be in danger, then give us a call,” says Heather. She also reminds people not to try and help the owls because they are extremely strong and can hurt people with their beak and talons. “I have had a few close calls while trying to keep them out of harm’s way,” she recalls.
You can contact the Casper Game and Fish at 307.473.3400.