Barn Owls Killed Along Interstate

The mysterious deaths of a number of barn owls along the interstate to Twin Falls have prompted calls to the state’s Department of Fish and Game.

Callers expressed concerns that someone was either shooting or poisoning the birds.

On Dec. 26, a Fish and Game officer traveled the route between Burley and Twin Falls and counted 61 dead owls. He reported that every one looked to have been hit by motor vehicles.

Conservation officer Mike Todd said he believed the nocturnal birds are attracted to the mice and vole that live and eat along the interstate. Because the owls fly low to the ground in search of food, fast-moving vehicles are more likely to hit them.

Todd said it is not possible to know what kind of impact the mortality rates will have on the local barn owl population.