Science Friday A Startling Plan To Save Spotted Owls—From Barred Owls
Dec 3, 2025
R.J. "Rocky" Gutierrez, an owl ecologist and professor emeritus, discusses the alarming threat barred owls pose to their spotted relatives in the Pacific Northwest. He advocates for a controversial plan to cull hundreds of thousands of barred owls, deeming it necessary for the survival of the spotted owl species. Rocky highlights the broader ecological impact of barred owls on other endangered species and explains the ethical dilemmas scientists face with such drastic measures. His insights reveal the complex interplay of conservation and human intervention.
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Barred-Owl Removal As The Only Viable Option
- The Fish and Wildlife Service proposes removing barred owls to save spotted owls across millions of acres.
- Rocky Gutiérrez argues this is the only viable option to ensure spotted owl persistence given barred owl impacts.
Barred Owls: An Unintended Invasion
- Barred owls are a nonnative invader from the East that have flourished after human-driven landscape changes.
- Their arrival disrupted prey and competition dynamics, letting them outcompete spotted owls and other native species.
Control Is Urgent To Prevent Loss
- Without controlling barred owls, spotted owls are almost certain to be lost over time.
- Rocky emphasizes urgency and cites long-term data showing barred owls displace spotted owls regardless of habitat protection.