GPS Devices Used To Protect Great Grey Owl Habitats

Craighead Beringia South biologist in Jackson Hole, Wyoming are among the first in the world to tracking owls with GPS technology. Owls and other nocturnal creatures haven’t been tracked with GPS devices as much as sunlight-loving wildlife. This is mainly due to many GPS trackers having to rely on solar power. So far this summer, the team has attached GPS tracking packs to six great grey owls in the area. By tracking the nocturnal birds of prey, they hope to locate nests for protection from logging plans.  

“We found very few owls,” said Bryan Bedrosian, who spend the winter searching the mountains between Grand Teton National Park and Snake River. “There just isn’t that many nests.” The biologists are in a particular rush to locate as many owl nests as possible. Plans to reduce wildfires in the area require thinning the natural habitats of these owls. The logging plans are part of an effort to protect private homes and other property in the area. Recognizing the need to protect owl homes as well, the Forest Service has pledged to establish a buffer around any great grey owl nests.  

“We’re right at the edge of what technology can do for owls,” Bedrosian said.  After an owl is captured, it is weighed, measured and blood samples are taken. Then it is tagged and attached to a GPS tracking pack, which is about three percent of the bird’s body weight. The team then receives data about the owl’s location ever eight hours.

The research is being funded by a state of Wyoming wildlife grant, Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts, the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole and Ecotour Adventures. The team is lead by biologist Susan Patla, from the Wyoming Game and FIsh Department, and Kerry Murphy, with the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Efforts will continue to protect great grey owl habitats.

GPS Devices Used To Protect Great Grey Owl Habitats