OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public input on a draft status report for the burrowing owl, which includes a recommendation to classify the owl as a state endangered species. The public comment period is open through Dec. 31, 2026.
“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 on the recent status 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 draft burrowing owl status report is available on WDFW’s website. The public may submit written comments via email or by mail to Taylor Cotten, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, P.O. Box 43141, Olympia, WA 98504-3200.
Following the public comment period, WDFW staff will brief the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission on the status report and recommendation. The Commission has the authority to approve or decline the Department’s request to list the species as endangered. The Commission is currently scheduled to consider this topic in February 2027.
The western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) is the only breeding subspecies of burrowing owl in western North America. It used to be found across Eastern Washington, but habitat loss and destruction have significantly impacted population numbers and species distribution. Burrowing owls are typically found in Washington from early March through late September before migrating to California for the winter. They nest in burrows, but do not dig them themselves; the owls take advantage of burrows dug by other wildlife, like badgers and ground squirrels.
WDFW regularly analyzes and reviews information to inform status and classification recommendations for species of conservation concern in Washington, including those listed as endangered, threatened, or sensitive, or species which may benefit from such conservation listing to bolster recovery efforts. More information is available on WDFW’s species status review webpage.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.