The introduction of a controversial management strategy to cull barred owls aims to protect the declining spotted owl population in national parks. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) created this plan in 2024, responding to significant declines in spotted owl numbers.
Key statistics:
- Spotted owl populations have dropped by 80 to 85 percent from 1995 to 2017 in Washington’s national parks.
- Yosemite National Park saw 4.3 million visitors in 2025, making it the fifth most-visited national park in the U.S.
- The upper limit for barred owls that could be culled per year is 15,600.
- This culling strategy could be implemented over a span of 30 years.
The barred owl, native to eastern North America, has migrated west and now competes with the spotted owl for habitat. This competition has led to a severe decline in the spotted owl population, which is classified as an endangered species. The last confirmed reproduction of spotted owls in North Cascades was recorded in 2017.
Officials have contracted researchers in Marin County to remove barred owls and prevent their establishment in certain areas. Experts argue this management is necessary. “It is the best available science…to manage barred owls for the benefit of spotted owls,” said Taylor, a wildlife biologist involved in the strategy.
However, uncertainties remain regarding the ecological impact of these actions on both species and their habitats. Henson illustrated the situation: “It’s sort of like they live in a town with five supermarkets all around them that they can shop at, where spotted owls live in a town with one supermarket far away.”
The overall success of this strategy hinges on habitat conservation efforts and public support for wildlife management initiatives. Pedery noted that maintaining existing populations depends on how much habitat humans are willing to protect.
