This owl does not have horns, which you may have already assumed, but instead gets its name from its large ear tufts that resemble the shapes of horns.
These owls are large in size and are covered in feathers of various greys and browns. Great Horned owls like to make their nests in woodland areas, usually quite dense ones and often ones near swamp areas.
These owls only hunt at night and are most active at dusk and dawn, but sometimes in winter months when there is less prey, they will hunt in the day to accommodate.
These birds are monogamous and both individuals in a mating pair will contribute to defend their nest as both sexes are very territorial. They use a lot of vocals, including hissing and screeching, to deter any intruding individuals.
If this does not deter the intruder, they are often known to attack with their feet and have even killed members of their own species that do not leave their territory.
Some smaller species of birds may also attempt to harass these owls, by dive bombing them, in an attempt to get them to abandon their nests and their eggs.
Outside of the breeding seasons, individuals will not roost together, but they will stay in their territory together.
With their vast range across the united states, it is no surprise that Great Horned Owls can be seen in all areas of the state.
They are also permanent residents in South Carolina so they can be seen year-round. The highest number of sightings have been recorded to the south east of the state.