Why the Arrival of This Owl is a Really Bad Sign for Illinois

Do you have a fear of owls? Did you know that there is one in particular that is a really bad sign if you see it too soon in Illinois? I realize I have some explaining to do.

I think my wife may have an owl phobia since she freaks out anytime an owl does anything anywhere anytime. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources tells you all you need to know about a certain owl that calls part of the state home part of the year. It's the snowy owl and it's seen sometimes in the northern half of Illinois.

So why is it a bad sign for Illinoisans to see a snowy owl?

It's not uncommon to see a snowy owl in Illinois, but Farmer's Almanac says it's a very bad thing if you see it BEFORE winter. Folklore says that the early arrival of a snowy owl means you're in for one heck of a winter. It makes sense when you think about it. An owl whose very name is Snowy being an early arrival in Illinois means snow is imminent. 

It's also important to note that if you see one of these owls in downstate Illinois, go ahead and make friends with your snow shovel since you're obviously gonna need it.