(GATLINBURG, TN) -  The Wildlife Encounter at Ober Gatlinburg is expanding with the addition of a new “Birds of Prey” exhibit featuring a Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, Peregrine Falcon and a Golden Eagle.  All of these birds were obtained by the American Eagle Foundation as a result of injury or illness and are non-releasable.  After receiving appropriate veterinary care, the American Eagle Foundation graciously donated these birds to Ober Gatlinburg.  The Barred Owl is the most commonly heard owl at night and it goes by many other names–most notably the Hoot Owl.  It's call is said to sound like "who, who cooks for you."  The largest owl in North America is the Great Horned Owl and is one of the few species that prey on skunks.  The Peregrine Falcon is one of the world's fastest birds.  It preys on other birds, some as large as ducks and prefers to perch on ledges rather than trees.  The Golden Eagle is one of only two types of eagles found in North America.  It has a wingspan of up to six feet and preys on animals as small as rabbits and as large as sheep.
    The natural tendency of birds is to be perched high so they can survey their surroundings.  Birds feel threatened and insecure when they are at eye level to humans, therefore, the Birds of Prey cages at Ober Gatlinburg are elevated and a small distance from the viewing public.
    The Wildlife Encounter originally opened at Ober Gatlinburg in 1981 as the Municipal Black Bear Habitat and currently has six American Black Bears ranging in age from two to twenty-three years old.  Last fall, the Wildlife Encounter added three North American River Otters along with an underwater viewing area.  The Nocturnal House includes raccoons, skunks, squirrels, an opossum, and a collection of reptiles, turtles, non-venomous snakes and amphibians.  All of the animals in the Wildlife Encounter are native to this region.  
    Lisa Hays-Ecklund has been wildlife curator at Ober Gatlinburg since 1993.  After completing her degree in Wildlife and Fisheries, with a minor in Zoology, Lisa spent two years as a graduate student working with Dr. Michael Pelton on black bear research in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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