Federal Plan to Cull Half a Million Barred Owls Sparks Controversy

The proposal aims to protect endangered spotted owls by eliminating barred owls, but faces opposition from wildlife organizations.

The U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife proposes killing nearly 500,000 barred owls over 30 years to save the northern and California spotted owls.
75 wildlife organizations have urged Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to reject the plan, calling it unworkable and harmful to forest ecosystems.
The plan involves using shotguns to eliminate barred owls, which have invaded the territories of the smaller, endangered spotted owls.
Critics argue for non-lethal methods to protect spotted owls, while supporters believe culling barred owls is necessary to prevent the extinction of spotted owls.
The barred owl management strategy is still in draft form, with a final decision expected later this year after public comments are reviewed.