Nature Saskatchewan is warning motorists of young Burrowing Owls, as they are learning the 'tricks of the trade.'

After being fed by their parents, the owls are now heading out to forage and hunt on their own, and like teenagers, they learn the way of the world on their own, especially near roadways.

This means people might have to be vigilant on the highways, according to Owl Coordinator at the Burrowing Owl Centre in Moose Jaw, Lori Johnson.

"The young owls typically are starting to learn how to hunt on their own right now, so [if you're driving] we're looking for a smaller bird. They're anywhere from nine to eleven inches in height," she explained. "So they're not one of the bigger owls that most people are familiar with seeing; they don't have the distinct facial disk that a lot of owls. They are active throughout the day and night as well."

Overnight and early morning, bugs and small rodents, both primary prey for the Burrowing Owl, gather on the asphalt on the road after it is heated from the sun during the day.

This attracts owls to the road and ditches on the highway and if drivers aren't careful, then it could spell disaster for the young owls that are already and endangered species.

"They are still classified as an endangered species throughout Canada," Johnson said. "We don't have definite numbers [of their population]. Nature Saskatchewan does a census with a lot of their stewardship partners; usually we see anywhere between twenty and thirty pairs of owls that are being reported."

With the young owls travelling, they also perch up on fence posts and lookouts, making this a great time to spot one of the owls.

Nature Saskatchewan would appreciate any help they can get when it comes to spotting Burrowing Owls. Calling their toll free "Hoot Line" at 1-800-667-HOOT (4668) helps monitor the population and aid with conservation efforts.