Killing owls to save owls

[Dave_W]

I don't know quite what to think about this practice. I get it, the Spotted owl is endangered and we should work hard to keep it from going extinct but come on, is this really the best way to go about this??

To Save Threatened Owl, Another Species Is Shot : NPR

 

[Mike D90]

Unfortunately it was humans fault the spotted owl lost its habitat. I guess we have to step in if it is necessary to save the spotted owl. Seems the barred owl has no problems reproducing

 

[Rick M]

Kinda sucks for the Barred Owls! Do two wrongs make a right?

 

[weebee]

Can't the barred owl be trapped and relocated?

 

[wev]

Having lately helped rip out two acres of happy, healthy non-native plants to protect around 20 native survivors, I know this scenario very well and practice it -- though it does tear at the heart and soul.

 

[Rick M]

Can't the barred owl be trapped and relocated?

They claim too labor intensive = expensive

 

[Rick M]

Besides dominating the spotted owl, are the Barred having another negative impact?

 

[weebee]

When I get home I need to read the article.

 

[RON_RIP]

There has got to be another way. Someone just needs to find and implement it.

 

[Mike D90]

I am not happy that the barred owl is being killed but isn't it no different than thinning off herds of deer or other invasive species to keep them from over populating? Apparently the barred owl has no problems with numbers so it should recover its losses quickly. But if the root of the problem is not corrected it will just happen again.

 

[Rick M]

Genetically engineer the spotted owls to be bigger and more aggressive than the Barred owls , in time they can reclaim their territory. Or, perhaps feed the Barred something to sterilize them? (this is done with insects I believe).

 

[weebee]

I believe it has been done with pigeons in the past.

 

[RockyNH_RIP]

I don't know quite what to think about this practice. I get it, the Spotted owl is endangered and we should work hard to keep it from going extinct but come on, is this really the best way to go about this??

To Save Threatened Owl, Another Species Is Shot : NPR

Unable to access the website at this time from work... do not know if it is NPR or a block from work..

Pat in NH