Wildlife groups seek help for California owl

[Omaha Steve]

http://apnews.excite.com/article/20141224/us-spotted-owl-protection-27fbe50f86.html

By SCOTT SMITH


FILE - This June 1995 file photo shows a Northern Spotted owl taken in Point Reyes, Calif. Loggers cutting down forests burned in wildfires could bring about the extinction of California spotted owls, wildlife advocates said Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014, as they sought protection for the birds under the federal Endangered Species Act. (AP Photo/Tom Gallagher, file)


FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — Loggers cutting down forests burned in wildfires could bring about the extinction of California spotted owls, wildlife advocates said Tuesday as they sought protection for the birds under the federal Endangered Species Act.

The petition says emerging science has shown that the owls thrive in old growth forests that are still living as well as those that have been burned and turned black by high-intensity forest fires.

That finding contradicts current common practice of the U.S. Forest Service, which opens up some burned forests to loggers, the petition states.

U.S. Forest Service spokesman John Heil said officials don't believe the California spotted owl is in danger of extinction. The agency maintains that massive wildfires are the greatest threat to the owls and works to ensure the owl's habitat is maintained or improved, he said.

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