When Snowy Owls Venture South
- Moira Rosser-Peterson
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
~wildlife education~
Sometimes Snowy Owls make remarkable yet often perilous journeys; they may venture far from their Arctic tundra homes due to challenging environmental conditions and end up in unexpected places like Vancouver Island.
Snowy owls are iconic birds of the far north, where they primarily hunt lemmings and other small mammals across vast, open landscapes. When poor weather conditions — such as severe storms, unusual cold snaps, or heavy snow cover — combine with a lack of food, these owls may be forced to migrate southward in search of better resources. This phenomenon is known as an irruption, when there is a sudden increase in the population of a species within a region, often triggered by factors like changes in food availability and/or environmental conditions. Smaller irruptions tend to take place every 3 to 5 years on average, while larger, more widespread events might happen every 7 to 8 years, depending on population cycles and regional factors. Sightings of snowy owls are relatively rare on Vancouver Island, especially along the west coast, but these migrations can bring hundreds or even thousands of owls south.
Once they arrive in areas like Vancouver Island, snowy owls often struggle to adapt. They’re not accustomed to the milder coastal climate, denser forests, and different prey availability. This can lead to rapid exhaustion and starvation. Many of these birds are found in a weakened state by concerned citizens and are taken to wildlife rehabilitation centres where they can receive essential nutrition, medical treatment, and a safe space to recover. The owls’ lack of familiarity with the local ecosystem means survival rates can be low without intervention.
Elsa was a beautiful snowy owl who arrived at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre (NIWRA) many years ago, near death from starvation after making the long journey from the tundra. She was nursed back to health through dedicated care, but after an initial recovery and release attempt, she was found just two months later, once more suffering from severe starvation. This heartbreaking cycle underscores how challenging it is for these Arctic nomads to thrive in our region, which is why Elsa remained at NIWRA as a permanent resident, serving as an ambassador for her species and educating visitors about the impacts of climate and habitat pressures on wildlife. Sadly, she passed away in July 2025.
Stories like Elsa’s remind us of the vital role rehabilitation centres play in supporting these magnificent birds during irruptions. By raising awareness, we can help ensure that snowy owls, and other wild creatures, have a fighting chance when nature forces them into unfamiliar territories.
You can help the wildlife in care at NIWRA by making a financial contribution on our secure website. Thank you so much for caring about wildlife!
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