Wildlife managers: snowy plovers, owls on endangered list?

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington wildlife managers are seeking public comment on whether to keep the snowy plover and northern spotted owls on the state endangered species list.

The state Department of Fish and Wildlife periodically reviews the status of protected species in the state. The public can comment on a list of recommendations through Dec. 8.

Draft reviews of the snowy plover and northern spotted owl are available on the agency’s website.

The snowy plover is a small bird with gray wings and white breast. It lives mostly in coastal areas of Washington. Its population is growing on the West Coast, but remains small in Washington.

The northern spotted owl was listed as endangered in 1988 due to a loss of habitat due to timber harvesting.