Aviation Threat: 2 More Snowy Owls Captured At Md. Airport

MIDDLE RIVER, Md. (WJZ)— Two snowy owls were captured at Martin State Airport in Middle River. The bird's size, wingspan and low-flying nature pose a threat to aviation.

A female snowy owl was captured Thursday night shortly after sunset, and a male snowy owl was captured Friday morning with traps that were placed on a grassy area on the north side of the airport.

USDA Wildlife Services and Maryland Department of Natural Resources examined the birds, which will be banded and relocated.

The FAA ranks snowy owls among the bird species most likely to cause damage when struck by aircraft.

This winter, snowy owls have been seen in increasing numbers in Maryland and throughout the eastern United States.  In late December 2013, a snowy owl was captured and relocated from BWI Marshall Thurgood Marshall Airport.

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