Why Snowy Owls Are Key to the Arctics Future I Climate Heroes

Snowy owls can survive tough Arctic winters, living year-round in regions like Alaska. But their population in North America has dropped dramatically over the last decade – by around 64%.

Now, scientists are closely monitoring the breeding patterns not just of snowy owls, but also of lemmings. As the birds’ main prey, the local rodent population has a huge effect on owl numbers. What could be causing the decline of these species down to the final third, and how might it affect the future of the Arctic?

Interested in more stories about wildlife in the Arctic?

#terramatters #snowyowls #lemmings

[paemonyes]

I hope we get to preserve these fantastic creatures and their winter wonderland, shame if our descendants would see snow owls as some ancient relic :/

[TheyCallMeNewb]

That time lapse around 1:50 was just extraordinary! The nuance of orbital mechanics in action. Strange thing to see an owl species in an environment without trees -- nests on the ground in the wide open and all. This crew really followed the raising of these chicks for quite a length! That or owl chicks develop far faster than I had thought.

[stevebennett]

The snowy owl is such a beautiful and majestic bird. I only hope it's around for a long time to come. Thanks for the great video

[bhrigumonisaikia]

Fascinating!! As you said, "we don't notice these small rodents..." We do need to get down to the tiniest detail(s) of the root cause. The sooner the better!! Hope that the researchers find some answers soon...

[jacbs]

i love snowy owls! i hope we find out whats causing the numbers of lemmings to decrease to help protect their ecosystem

[sarjulia]

Lovely video, as always! Is there any chance you'd consider turning the volume down on the background music? It's a touch overwhelming. ♥️

[robbabcock_]

Fascinating! I hope they can weather our changing climate.

[icedupwolf]

Ive seen a few of these during the winter time here in Toronto! Beautiful creatures.

[ragibsanimalfactsandmore]

snowy owl are very cool but it's hard to believe that they depend on such tiny rodents and it would be very sad if our descendants only saw pictures, drawings and videos of them . Anyways ice video and cinematography keep up the good work

[BallisticDamages]

I used to see these when I lived in Newfoundland, they were always a treat to see.

[kuitaranheatmorus]

Snowy owl sure are awesome and I too want them to live on as the ultimate artic bird

[brycekirkham]

Love snowy owls! Great video as usual guys

[vlad-igor]

So it means that both lemmings and owls can go extinct together, looks like maybe we can help grow some lemmings and set them free.

[tylerquach]

It's so sad that only a fews people know and take climate change seriously when our beautiful planet is dying due to mankind actions
Please keep up the amazing work Terramatter and continue to spread the messages 🙏 ❤ you guys always deliver such high quality content as usual

[Hellefleur]

Mom! What's for dinner?
Mom: A side of lemmings with shredded lemmings. Then whole lemmings and for dessert, lemmings!

[tvshowsnmovies]

meanwhile in Washington, D.C:

snowy owl: henlo

[philipveerman]

Seems very good. Lots of emphasis on the importance of lemmings, which is fully believable. However, several of the snippets actually show small birds as prey of the Snowy Owl and the Arctic fox is carrying an egg. Yet throughout this the narration was only about lemmings, ignoring that clearly other prey are taken.

[earthling_parth]

I love all speices of Owls and Arctic Owls are one of the most gorgeous birds. Vultures are my favorite birds but the majestic Owls are something else. Let's hope we bring down climate change so lemming populations and subsequently Owl populations stabilize.

[raphlvlogs]

will snowy owls over time evolve to have a darker completion due to the warming climate?

[tvshowsnmovies]

"milder winter temperatures below the arctic circle" aka DC