# How Long Do Snowy Owls Live?

> Snowy Owl lifespan is typically About 10 years in the wild. What shortens or extends life, life stages, and status (Vulnerable).

- **Species:** Snowy Owl (*Bubo scandiacus*)
- **Conservation status:** Vulnerable
- **Diet:** Carnivore (mainly lemmings)
- **Habitat:** Arctic tundra and open fields
- **Lifespan:** About 10 years in the wild
- **Top speed:** Up to 80 km/h (50 mph)
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/snowy-owl/how-long-do-snowy-owl-live/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/snowy-owl/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

The snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) is a large, white owl of the Arctic tundra, easily recognised by its rounded head, piercing yellow eyes, and dense feathering. It weighs around 2 kg with a wingspan of 1.2 to 1.5 m, flies powerfully at up to 80 km/h (50 mph), and hunts mainly lemmings by day as well as night. Living about 10 years in the wild, it is listed as Vulnerable.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need a prognosis for one named animal. This page is a species lifespan range.

## Appearance and plumage

The snowy owl is one of the most striking of all owls, with mostly white plumage that camouflages it against Arctic snow. Males grow whiter with age and can become almost pure white, while females and young birds keep dark barring across the wings and body. Thick feathering extends right down to the toes, insulating the bird against extreme cold, and its bright yellow eyes sit in a rounded, earless-looking head. At around 2 kg with a wingspan of 1.2 to 1.5 m, it is a heavy, powerful bird.

## Help protect the Snowy Owl

The snowy owl is listed as Vulnerable, with habitat loss the leading threat to its future.

[Donate to protect habitat](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/appeals/habitats/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/snowy-owl/how-long-do-snowy-owl-live/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.