There have been a lot of owls in Northeastern Minnesota this winter. It's called an irruption. Owls migrate each winter, and this year they have migrated further south than usual, bringing joy to birdwatchers and enthusiasts from all over Minnesota. However, the increased numbers mean more vehicle collisions and owl deaths.

Why are there so many owls?

The irruption is likely due to food scarcity in the areas the owls normally migrate to. They now have gone further south into our region to find food. Owls are attracted to the roadside because that's where their prey lives near the winter. Owls prey on mice and other small rodents.

Canva
Canva
loading...

Watch for owls while driving.

The Minnesota State Parks and Trails posted a message to visitors on their social media urging people to slow down on the highways, especially near North Shore State Parks. They ask you to observe the speed limit and be alert to your surroundings. They are more active in the daytime hours.

KOOL 101.7 logo
Get our free mobile app

Give the owls lots of space.

They suggest you stay far away from the owls because they can be stressed or distracted by humans. They rely on their hearing for hunting, and the sounds of people can distract them. They say if you are close enough to take a picture with your smartphone, you're too close.

Related: Another 5 Owls Hit By Cars In Northern Minnesota

Don't pull over on the side of the road to watch the owls.

Snow-covered, icy roads are not a good place to pull over. The roads are narrower with the snow building up in the winter. You shouldn't pull over to watch the owls, you may be hit by another car.

Also, if you're on the side of the road watching the owls, you're likely scaring away their food source of mice and voles.

Why do they censor the eyes of this dead owl?

Sadly, this owl was hit by a car and died. They censor the eyes of the owl because, in many indigenous cultures, owls are believed to be ill omens and would bring bad luck to the viewer if they saw the eyes. Also in the indigenous culture, deceased animals should have their eyes covered.

LOOK: Here are the states where you are most likely to hit an animal

Hitting an animal while driving is a frightening experience, and this list ranks all 50 states in order of the likelihood of such incidents happening, in addition to providing tips on how to avoid them.

Gallery Credit: Dom DiFurio & Jacob Osborn