What is the great horned owl prey to?

The great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) is a powerful and opportunistic predator that is capable of taking a wide range of prey species despite being preyed on by a small number of predators themselves. Some of the predators of great horned owls include:

1. Larger Raptors/Birds of Prey: Certain larger birds of prey, such as the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) or the great gray owl (Strix nebulosa), may sometimes prey upon great horned owls, especially when food is scarce or during territorial disputes.

2. Other Great Horned Owls: In rare instances, great horned owls may engage in intraspecific predation, with larger or more dominant individuals preying on smaller or weaker members of their own species.

3. Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis): The northern goshawk is known to be an occasional predator of great horned owls. These goshawks are also large, powerful raptors that may target owls during hunting or when nesting.

4. Humans (Hunting and Poisoning): Historically, great horned owls were subject to hunting and persecution, particularly due to their perceived threats to poultry or other game animals. Currently, they are protected by wildlife laws in many regions, but illegal hunting or accidental poisoning from pesticides or lead-based ammunition can still occur.