24 
V l \<T 1 1 I':R ( ) I !SKK\AT I () X S OX :\l I X X KS( )TA 15 1 Rl )S I 
l\al)bits, gophers, muskrats, held mice, and otlier nigdit-prowling 
animals represent a large share of the diet of this owl; poultry, 
too, it farmers allow their turkeys and chickens to roost in tops 
of trees, on sheds, or on ex])osed farm wagons. Even skunks 
(note the illustration) are highly prized by them for food; in fact. 
Great Horned Owl 
when ca])Lured, they are freciuentlv strongly scented with skunk 
odor. W ith the exception of the skunk, which is ordinarily a use- 
ful citizen, the other mammals mentioned must be regarded as 
injurious — most of them decidedly so; hence this owl is, to a 
large degree, a benefactor. 
