Large owls are apex predators, which means they are at the top of the food chain. The health of these owls tells us a lot about the health of the rest of the environment. Because of this, we call them "sentinel species" since they alert us to problems or concerns elsewhere. As predators, owls also play a critical role in controlling prey populations.

Human activity can impact the health of owls. Chemicals used to kill rodents, habitat loss due to human development, collisions with cars and other man-made structures, and disruptions to the ecosystem all endanger the lives of owls. But by understanding these harms, we can work to keep owls safe and even positively benefit their populations. More ideas to help are below!