A Mexican Spotted Owl. Photo by Michael Smith

COUNTY News:

The Mexican Spotted Owl is a medium-sized, nocturnal bird that typically roosts during the day in cool, shaded areas and hunts at night, feeding on small mammals, birds, and insects.

They are known for their strong attachment to specific territories. Nesting areas can be found across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and western Texas, extending south through several states in Mexico. Populations are “disjunct”, meaning they live in isolated clusters rather than one continuous stretch.

These owls are highly selective about where they live, often returning to the same nesting areas year after year, and can serve as a good indicator of overall ecosystem health.

Mexican Spot Owls’ preferred local environments include:

• Mature, closed-canopy forests with complex structures and large trees;
• Douglas-fir, white fir, and ponderosa pine trees; 
• Steep-walled canyons, using caves or cliff ledges for shelter; and
• They are typically found in areas with a water source, such as perennial streams, creeks, or springs, which help create the cool, humid conditions they prefer.

The species is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Why They’re Endangered – Mexican Spotted Owls are threatened primarily by:

• Loss of old-growth forest habitat
• Severe wildfires
• Human disturbance (especially near nesting sites

Why They Matter:

• As a top predator, the owl helps regulate populations of smaller animals and indicates the health of forest ecosystems. Protecting owl habitat also protects countless other species that rely on the same environment.

Visit the wildlife issues web page to learn more about these sometimes stinky neighbors.