Students dissect owl pellets to uncover the bones and fur of the owl’s prey, reconstruct skeletons, and analyze what the owl has been eating. This hands-on activity teaches about predator-prey relationships, digestion, and food webs.

• Follow instructions provided in the links below.

How to dissect an owl pellet - Scottish Wildlife Trust:

Dissecting an Owl Pellet - Ramsey County:

📄 Owl Pellet Dissection - Science World: https://www.scienceworld.ca/resource/owl-pellet-dissection/

• Visit a local owl sanctuary or rehabilitation center to observe owls directly.
• Use magnifiers or microscopes for closer observation of bones.
• Extend the discussion to local prey species and what their presence in pellets reveals about ecosystems.
• Compare results across seasons to explore changes in diet.

• Use only sterilized, classroom-safe owl pellets (dried and treated to kill bacteria and parasites).
• Wear gloves during dissection.
• Handle dissection tools carefully.
• Wash hands thoroughly after the activity.

• What kinds of animals do owls eat? (small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, etc.)
• Why are bones and fur not digested? (enzymes in the stomach cannot break down these materials)
• What can owl pellets tell scientists about the owl’s habitat and prey availability?
• How many prey animals are in your pellet? What types?
• What owls live in your region? Are any of them endangered?
• Why might it be difficult to identify exact species from bones? (many bones look similar across related species)