A majestic great gray owl was recently captured on camera swooping across the snowy plains of Hulunbuir in Inner Mongolia, China. Known as the world’s largest owl species by length, this rare sighting on February 2, 2025, has thrilled wildlife enthusiasts and locals alike.
With piercing eyes that seem to stare straight into the lens, the great gray owl (Strix nebulosa) is a masterful hunter. Its keen eyesight and hearing allow it to detect the slightest movement beneath the snow, showcasing its incredible adaptability to harsh winter environments.
Indigenous to the boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere, the great gray owl is found across North America, parts of Europe, and northern Asia. In China, it is under second-class national protection, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to preserve this magnificent species.
The appearance of this elusive owl in Hulunbuir highlights the rich biodiversity of Inner Mongolia’s wilderness. As this region faces environmental changes, sightings like these serve as a reminder of the beauty and fragility of our natural world.
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A great gray owl forages and swoops across a snowy plain in Hulunbuir
cgtn.com