Image: Reese Ferrier / Dreamstime / file

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Spotted Owls

Two spotted owls from provincial protection program, released into Fraser Canyon

Sep 24, 2023 | 12:07 PM

FRASER CANYON — Two male northern spotted owls, named ‘sítist’ and ‘wíkcn,’ were released into protected habitat in the Fraser Canyon as part of an ongoing collaborative effort between the Province of British Columbia and the Spuzzum First Nation to recover the dwindling northern spotted owl populations in the wild.

The birds were assessed for their health and readiness before being released. The owls demonstrated their ability to capture live prey and maintain stable body weight, a necessity for life in the wild. The door to their aviary was opened July 25, allowing them to forage independently and adapt to their new environment.

“Supporting the recovery of threatened species in B.C. is a priority for my ministry,” said Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship. “That’s why we’re running the world’s only captive breeding and release program for northern spotted owls. Our strategy and the decisions we’re making to support spotted owl recovery are based on the best available science and Indigenous knowledge.”

The release of captive-bred spotted owls into the wild was the second under the Spotted Owl Breeding and Release Program. ‘Sítist’ was originally released in August 2022 as part of the program’s inaugural release but was later found injured near train tracks in the Fraser Canyon. Thanks to the efforts of the Orphaned Wildlife Society, he made a full recovery and was returned to the Captive Breeding Facility. Unfortunately, in May 2023, the other two owls released alongside ‘sítist’ in 2022 were discovered deceased from unknown causes.

Minister Cullen affirmed, “We have a dedicated team of experts that includes First Nations and ministry staff that are doing everything they can to help spotted owls recover. We are hopeful, but this is a long process with no guarantee of success.” Cullen added, “We remain committed to doing everything we can to support the recovery of northern spotted owls and continue to learn from the released owls to support their species’ survival.”

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Ongoing monitoring by ministry staff and project partners will track the progress of ‘sítist’ and ‘wíkcn,’ with management strategies adaptable to ensure their optimal chances of survival in the wild. As the rare birds continue their journey to recovery, the collaboration between government agencies, Indigenous communities, and conservationists remains vital to their survival.