The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released a final plan to cull up to 450,000 barred owls over 30 years in an effort to save the spotted owl, which is being threatened by the larger and faster-reproducing barred owl. The barred owl is not native to the west coast and has had a significant impact on spotted owl populations in the region. The agency hopes that by reducing the number of barred owls, the spotted owl population will rebound. A study funded by the USFWS showed that spotted owls had a 10% better chance at survival in areas where barred owls were removed.
The proposal has received both criticism and support, with some animal rights activists calling it cruel and unnecessary, while others, including Oregon’s Department of Forestry, support it. Washington State’s public lands commissioner has raised concerns about the cost and potential unintended consequences of the plan, calling it an extreme solution that may not be successful. The estimated cost of the plan is $235 million over the 30-year time horizon, but the USFWS biologist leading the effort believes costs will depend on the agencies and land managers involved.
The USFWS is set to make a formal decision on the plan in a month and will need a permit from themselves to begin the culling of the barred owls. Despite the controversial nature of the plan, the agency believes it is necessary to protect the spotted owl from extinction.
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