Western Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) are commonly found in prairie dog towns throughout Colorado. Federal and state laws prohibit the harming or killing of burrowing owls and the destruction of active nests. It is quite possible to inadvertently kill burrowing owls during prairie dog poisoning projects or removal of prairie dogs. The following guidelines are intended as advice on how to determine if burrowing owls are present in a prairie dog town, and what to do if burrowing owls are detected.
