WDFW seeks comments on proposed endangered listing for burrowing owl

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking public comment on a recommendation to classify the burrowing owl as a state endangered species.

The agency is accepting comments on its draft status report through Dec. 31. WDFW estimates fewer than 100 breeding pairs remain in Washington, primarily in the Yakima Valley and Columbia Basin.

“While burrowing owls used to be present across much of Washington, they’ve since been eradicated from most of the state outside of the Yakima Valley and Columbia Basin,” said Gerald Hayes, WDFW burrowing owl specialist and lead author of the report. “Today, we estimate that fewer than 100 breeding pairs can be found in Washington. Habitat loss and degradation are major contributors to the burrowing owl’s population decline in Washington.”

The western burrowing owl was once found across Eastern Washington. The migratory birds are typically in the state from early March through late September before wintering in California. They nest in burrows created by other wildlife, including badgers and ground squirrels.

Following the comment period, WDFW staff are expected to brief the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, which has authority to approve or reject the proposed endangered classification. The commission is scheduled to consider the recommendation in February 2027.

Written comments may be submitted to TandEpubliccom@dfw.wa.gov or mailed to Taylor Cotten, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, P.O. Box 43141, Olympia, WA 98504-3200.