If you're passionate about these birds, there are more rewarding ways to connect with them:
: Large owls can live over 30 years in captivity, making them a massive lifelong commitment. Better Alternatives for Owl Lovers where can you buy a pet owl
: They produce large amounts of foul-smelling liquid waste and regularly "cast" pellets of undigested bones and fur. If you're passionate about these birds, there are
: They are apex predators with 500+ lbs of talon pressure; they do not like to be petted and can cause severe injury. : Facilities that use owls for public education programs
: Facilities that use owls for public education programs. Are There Any Exceptions?
The Reality of Owning a Pet Owl: Is It Possible? While the idea of a personal feathered messenger is magical, . Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act , native owls are federally protected species. This means you cannot "own" one like a dog or a cat; rather, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service retains "stewardship" of these birds, allowing only specifically licensed professionals to keep them. Why You Can’t Just Buy One
: You can observe them from afar or install owl nesting boxes on your property to encourage local owls to move in. Owls as Pets - International Owl Center