There are 19,556 recorded sightings of Great Horned Owl in North Carolina, with 604 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in October through January.
When to See Great Horned Owl in North Carolina
Most often reported in October through January.
| Month | Recorded Sightings | Peak Month |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2,074 | Yes |
| February | 1,918 | No |
| March | 1,605 | No |
| April | 1,659 | No |
| May | 1,276 | No |
| June | 0 | No |
| July | 0 | No |
| August | 1,204 | No |
| September | 1,714 | No |
| October | 2,163 | Yes |
| November | 1,691 | Yes |
| December | 2,587 | Yes |
Compared With Other Regions
Explore how Great Horned Owl sightings in North Carolina compare to other North American hubs:
Ear tufts, big yellow eyes and a white throat patch mark this large, barred owl. Great Horned Owl lives in nearly every habitat across the Americas, from forests and deserts to city parks. It hunts rabbits, rodents and birds at night. Listen for its deep, rhythmic hooting from winter into spring, when pairs are courting, and scan treetops at dusk for a large, upright silhouette with horn-like tufts.
Other Wildlife to Look for in North Carolina
Track Great Horned Owl in North Carolina
See where Great Horned Owl was reported near you — get alerts when wildlife is spotted nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see a Great Horned Owl in North Carolina?
Great Horned Owl is most often reported in North Carolina in October through January, based on GBIF records. Reports partly reflect when more people are outdoors, so sightings in other months are possible.
Where can I see a Great Horned Owl in North Carolina?
There are 19,556 documented Great Horned Owl records in North Carolina. Parks, refuges and protected areas with suitable habitat are the best places to start; the charts above show when it's reported most.
How can I find Great Horned Owl sightings near me in North Carolina?
Use the WildMap app on iOS to see recent reports within 100 km from the past 7 days for free (WildMap Pro: 200 km and 30 days), and turn on alerts for sightings near you in North Carolina.