Do fake owls work? According to a study done by Cornell University, they DO deter predators, but only for a few days. Most birds, rabbits and other small varmints can figure out within about four days that the statue is of no harm.

Moving the statue might help prolong its effectiveness as a deterrent, but again, not for long. Anecdotally, in our experience, this fake one scares absolutely no one, except our toddler.