US Wildlife Officials Plan Mass Killing of Invasive Barred Owls to Save Native Species

Starting next year, US wildlife officials will scale up efforts to eradicate invasive barred owls across West Coast forests to protect native spotted owls. The plan involves trained shooters targeting up to 452,000 barred owls over 30 years. This controversial strategy has divided wildlife advocates and faces logistical challenges.

US wildlife officials will significantly expand efforts next year to eliminate invasive barred owls crowding out endangered native owl species in West Coast forests. The finalized plan, announced Wednesday, involves targeting up to 452,000 barred owls over the next 30 years.

Trained marksmen will sweep an estimated 23,000 square miles in California, Oregon, and Washington, aiming to halt the decline of northern and California spotted owls. Federal officials liken the unprecedented initiative to past efforts to protect West Coast salmon by culling sea lions and cormorants.

Barred owls, native to eastern North America, have rapidly displaced smaller spotted owls since appearing in the 1970s. These predatory newcomers pose a threat not just to owl species but to various amphibians and small mammals. Critics argue the campaign is impractical and costly, while advocates stress its necessity to avert native owl extinction.

(With inputs from agencies.)