Horning in on the thread on Great Horned Owls vs. people and pets, has it
been mentioned that they start defending their nesting territories very
early in the spring, like even late January? We have had some interesting
occurrences in Anchorage on cross-country ski trails, where skiers were
regularly struck in the head by the resident owl, usually not even knowing
what hit them unless they looked up at just the right moment. One man lost
his hat and gloves to an owl and tried to sneak back and retrieve them
later; whereupon the owl hit him in the back and he ended up leaving his
jacket, down vest and turtleneck behind also. It was 10 below. I really
admired his forebearance in not killing the owl.

The best solution found was to close off the affected loop of the ski trail.
In the case of an owl right outside a residence, that would be a toughie.

As for predation on pets, they could probably manage most cats (ha -
paybacks are hell, eh?) and are known for taking skunks in the lower 48. In
Alaska, I have heard accounts that were probably fairly true of Bald Eagles
taking small dogs.

Chris Maack
Anchorage, AK
907-278-4265