The Snowy Owl was first classified in 1758 by Carolus Linnaeus, 
the Swedish Swedish naturalist. The name "scandiaca" is a Latinised 
word referring to Scandinavia, as the Owl was first observed in the 
northern parts of Europe. Some other names for the Snowy Owl 
are Arctic Owl, Great White Owl, Ghost Owl, Ermine Owl, Tundra 
Ghost, Ookpik, Scandinavian Nightbird, White Terror of the North, 
and Highland Tundra Owl. It is the official bird of Quebec.
Snowy Owls can live at least 95 years in the wild and 35 years in 
captivity. Natural enemies are few - Arctic foxes and wolves prey 
apon them on thier tundra breeding grounds, while skuas and jaegers
may take eggs or chicks.