Will killing 500,000 owls help similar species? Groups slam ‘reckless’ government plan
A plan to shoot down half a million barred owls in the northwestern United States could ensure the continued existence of its close relative, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The lethal management strategy may replenish the dwindling population of the northern spotted owl, a similar species native to the forests in Washington, Oregon and northern California.
Both birds are protected under federal law. The northern spotted owl, however, is threatened with extinction — and the “more aggressive” barred owl has invaded its territory and poses a major threat, the USFWS says.
Dozens of wildlife and animal welfare organizations are objecting to the government’s proposed culling of nearly 500,000 barred owls in California, Oregon and Washington over three decades, according to a March 25 letter to the Secretary of the Interior.
Deemed a “reckless plan to unleash ‘hunters’ to implement a plan of mass, sustained killing,” the letter signed by 75 groups urges Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to take action against it.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Barred Owl Management proposal, published in November, warns it’s necessary to stop the invasion of barred owls, which are native to eastern North America, on the West Coast. Described as the top threat to the northern spotted owl’s survival, they are considered an emerging threat to the California spotted owl.
What comes next?
After USFWS published its proposal, it held a 60-day public comment period that ended Jan. 16.
Delavan told McClatchy News the agency is reviewing the public’s input and additional information received during that time frame.
A final barred owl management strategy and a record of decision is expected this year, according to Delavan.
If approved, USFWS would be granted a Migratory Bird Treaty Act permit allowing for specialists to kill the birds, the agency says.
The letter against the proposal suggested USFWS should prioritize non-lethal methods to support spotted owls.
“The plan to kill barred owls is a colossally reckless action, almost unprecedented in the history of American wildlife management,” the letter says.
This story was originally published March 27, 2024 at 12:39 PM with the headline "Will killing 500,000 owls help similar species? Groups slam ‘reckless’ government plan."
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