This sibling pair of Great Horned Owls were photographed in Philippe Park in Safety Harbor, Florida right after the park opened for the day. This was back in 2018 and before rodenticides claimed their breeding-pair parents and subsequent siblings starting in the spring of 2021. This year, in the spring of 2024, I am happy to report that a new set of parents with one chick are thriving, thanks in part to animal advocates who care.

You see, many people purchase rat traps that are designed to kill mice and rats but other animals in the food chain are affected; Some companies actually recommend traps and claim the devices do not threaten other wildlife.

There are safer alternatives. And, it’s easy to educate yourself and others in your inner circle.

A grass-roots citizens committee based in Safety Harbor along with a young young woman who is now a full-time park ranger in a well-known Pinellas County, Florida park have been leading the way to educating area business owners and residents. A Facebook group named “Safety Harbor Strong Owls & Nature” as of March 1, 2024 champions this cause and they maintain a website that contains educational materials and resources on this topic:
https://SafetyHarborOwls.weebly.com. I invite you to visit their website and browse the menu of offerings.

A portion of the sales of this image will go toward the park ranger who tirelessly works to save animals in distress including those affected by rodenticides, and to offset the cost of printed educational materials created by the grass-roots group. Every penny of the donation will go toward the animals and to educating the public so animals can be saved; Zero will go to administrative costs.

Karma matters, to me.

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To purchase, contact me or email: DebbieWolfe@DebbieWolfeNatureArtPhotography.com