Owls are incredible, captivating creatures, but owning one as a pet in South Carolina—or anywhere in North America—comes with a lot of responsibility. Most native owls are protected by law and illegal to keep unless special permits are acquired.
Even with proper permission, an owl is no easy pet to take care of; they have special dietary needs, space requirements, and special vet care. So if you are attracted to owls, you should support local wildlife groups or consider visiting licensed places where you might get a good view of the birds in as natural an environment as possible. These birds have wild hearts that need to be treated as so.
Special Permits for Owls in South Carolina: What You Need to Know:
In South Carolina, owning an owl legally requires a special permit from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). These permits are generally granted for educational, rehabilitative, or conservation purposes, not for keeping an owl as a pet. The process to obtain one is strict and comes with specific requirements.
First, you’ll need to prove you have experience in caring for raptors—owls are not typical pets and need specialized care. You must also provide a large, secure living space that mimics their natural habitat, allowing them enough room to move freely and exercise. Lastly, owls have unique dietary and medical needs, so you’ll need access to a vet who specializes in raptors and can care for them properly.
Getting a permit is no easy feat and requires a great deal of commitment. It’s not just about wanting an owl as a pet—it’s about ensuring you can provide the care and environment these amazing birds need to thrive.
Owls You Can Keep in South Carolina (With a Permit)
If you’re interested in owning an owl in South Carolina, there are a few species that may be kept legally, but only with the proper permits. These permits are granted for educational, rehabilitative, or conservation purposes and require meeting specific care standards.
1. Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
Heart-shaped faces and the ghostly shape of Barn Owls are considered to be popular features. Also, they have a calm personality and nocturnal behavior, that makes them better for more experience bird enthusiasts as they require food in the shape of whole prey and spacious live area.
2. Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
Known for white plumage that strikes the feathers on their coat, Snowy Owls can get quite space-inhabiting; however, since they also allow keeping through special permits issued in some instances, they have always been an ornamental asset mostly for expert care, given the size as well as different special requirements concerning maintenance.
3. European Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of the biggest owl species, the European Eagle Owl is quite demanding. Due to its muscular build and territorial nature, it needs quite a lot of space and proper care, thus making it an inappropriate bird for a first-time bird owner.
