Spotted owl is an owl that lives in the forested mountains of western North America. It ranges from southwestern British Columbia south through western Washington, Oregon, and California. It is also found in the Southwest and in Mexico. The owl has been at the center of disputes between conservationists and the timber industry over the use of forests.
Spotted owls are dark brown with white spots across the back of the head and white blotches on the breast and abdomen. They stand about 18 inches (46 centimeters) tall and weigh about 20 ounces (565 grams). Spotted owls nest in large cavities or deserted nests in trees, or on ledges in caves or cliffs. Unlike most types of owls, spotted owls have little fear of human beings.
The spotted owl has been a source of controversy because it lives in centuries-old forests that are a major source of timber. To help protect the spotted owl, the U.S. government has limited logging and other activities in certain areas, including federal forests in Washington, Oregon, and northern California. Conservationists have criticized the government for not preserving enough forestland and for failing to take additional measures to prevent the owl from eventually dying out. Logging groups argue that the government’s actions have cost many jobs in the forest products industry, and further conservation efforts could eliminate more.
