Bubo virginianus, commonly known as the Great Horned Owl, is native to a wide range across the Americas. It is naturally found throughout North America, extending from the Arctic regions of Canada and Alaska, down through the United States, into Central America, and as far south as Tierra del Fuego in South America.

The Great Horned Owl occupies a diverse range of habitats. It can be found in dense forests, open woodlands, deserts, wetlands, grasslands, and even urban environments. It is highly adaptable to various environmental conditions, tolerating both cold and warm climates. The owl typically prefers regions that offer a mix of open areas for hunting and wooded areas for nesting.

As a top predator, the Great Horned Owl plays a significant role in its ecological niche by controlling populations of small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Its diet primarily consists of rodents, rabbits, and other small creatures, but it can also prey on larger animals such as skunks and even other birds of prey. The owl's ability to adapt to various environments and its versatile hunting skills facilitate its widespread distribution.