Barred Owls Thriving in the Suburbs

Scientists have long thought that barred owls needed old-growth forests in order to breed, but an ongoing study has determined that they are thriving in the suburbs of Charlotte, NC. The owls prefer old growth forests because of the large holes they can nest in. In Charlotte, the barred owls tend to nest in the cavities of the numerous willow oak trees that line the city's streets.

The trees are old and large enough to offer good nesting sites, and the well maintained lawns below provide an open understory—creating perfect conditions for the raptors to hunt.

Barred owls, like many other animals are adapting to people invading their territory. For more information, visit National Geographic.