Senate Upholds Biden-Era Barred Owl Lethal Removal Plan Despite Opposition

The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly rejected a resolution led by Senator John Kennedy to block the Biden administration's plan to kill up to 453,000 non-native barred owls over several decades. The Fish and Wildlife Service's strategy aims to protect the endangered northern spotted owl by culling the barred owl population, which outcompetes the native species for resources. Kennedy criticized the plan as expensive government overreach and "bone-deep, down-to-the-marrow stupid," arguing that the barred owls' range expansion is a natural ecological phenomenon and that the policy represents federal arrogance. Supporters of the plan contend that without lethal removal, the northern spotted owl faces extinction, as habitat management alone is insufficient due to barred owls' competitive edge. The resolution's failure marks a significant endorsement of the controversial wildlife management strategy despite concerns about costs and animal welfare. The debate highlighted tensions between environmental protection efforts and differing views on government intervention in natural ecosystems.