Why you could be seeing more owls in Minnesota this winter
Owls at Roberts Bird Sanctuary in Minneapolis. (FOX 9)
MINNESOTA (FOX 9) - Northern Minnesota residents are being asked to use caution as an influx of owls are migrating further south than usual, leading to an increase in vehicle collisions and wildlife disturbances near North Shore state parks.
More owls along roadsides
Big picture view:
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said the uncommon event, also known as an "irruption," is bringing more owls to the northern part of the state as they migrate further south than usual.
This could be driven by food scarcity in areas where they normally reside, as well as other factors.
State officials are asking the public to be mindful of the owl increase after getting more reports of owls becoming roadkill.
What you can do:
Owls are known to congregate near roadsides where their prey live during the winter.
Drivers are asked to be aware of their surroundings and remember that it is dangerous to pull over when narrow highways are made more hazardous by ice and snow.
Anyone who would like to admire owls should do so at a distance in order to avoid stressing the owl or interrupting its hunt.
The Source: A social media post from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails division.