Wildlife Photographer’s Close Encounter with a Great Gray Owl
A wildlife photographer, Anaïs Trépanier, experienced an astonishing moment when a Great Gray Owl swooped down and landed on her camera lens while she was photographing it in Cote-de-Beaupre, Quebec, Canada. The Great Gray Owl, known as the largest owl species in the world, surprised Anaïs as she tried to capture its majestic presence on a snowy fence.
The Encounter
Fellow photographer Thomas Pham-Van captured the extraordinary moment as the owl preened itself without a care, demonstrating its bold curiosity. Thomas described how the owl flew straight towards Anaïs, perching just inches from her face. He recalled, ”I was already amazed, but to see it on the camera lens was surreal.”
Anaïs remained calm, despite the close proximity of the wild bird, which lasted around 30 seconds before it flew away. She focused on the owl’s talons, ensuring her safety while trying to get additional photos.
The Great Gray Owl
These owls are known for their unique hunting techniques, including ”snow-plunging,” where they dive into the snow to capture prey hidden beneath. With a body length of 24 to 33 inches and a wingspan of up to five feet, they weigh only about 2.5 pounds, largely due to their feather structure.
While they are voracious predators, needing roughly seven vole-sized meals daily, Great Gray Owls are not considered endangered. The population estimate ranges from 50,000 to 99,999, classified as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN.
Conclusion
Both photographers were amazed by the owl’s behavior and the rare encounter. Thomas emphasized the importance of respecting wildlife, stating that they did not bait the owl. This surreal experience left a lasting impression on both, proving the magic and unpredictability of nature.
For a closer look at this memorable moment, you can watch the video
