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4 July 2024
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Wildlife officials in the US are planning to kill nearly 450,000 barred owls, despite opposition from animal welfare activists
The shocking move is a part of a conservation strategy aimed at preserving the northern spotted owl, a threatened species
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Notably, Barred owls, originally from eastern North America, have expanded their range into the Pacific Northwest
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They are now outcompeting the native northern spotted owl for resources such as nesting sites and prey
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The encroachment of barred owls has contributed significantly to the decline of northern spotted owl populations
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As part of the plan, professionals will use recorded “territorial calls” to lure barred owls, after which they will be shot with shotguns
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The wildlife agency thinks spotted owls will rebound slowly if they face less competition from barred owls
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The decision to cull barred owls has raised ethical questions about conservation priorities, as it involves reducing one species to support another
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The plan has sparked public debate, with some advocating for aggressive management of barred owls to protect the spotted owl
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Some have expressed concerns about the moral implications and effectiveness of such drastic measures
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Read More: US Plans To Kill Half-Million Barred Owls. Here’s Why
