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Species · Wyoming · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Short-eared Owl Population Trend in Wyoming

All statesGeneralists

Short-eared Owl in Wyoming has edged down: down 24% on the route-weighted index since 1972.

-24%Since 1972TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
40Routes In StateSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
37YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Short-eared Owl Trends in WyomingNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

No notable trend signals for Short-eared Owl in Wyoming. See the full index history below.

Short-eared Owl Population Forecast in Wyoming

If the recent trend holds, Short-eared Owl in Wyoming is projected to fall about 85% by 2029 — from 0.29 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.04 (95% range 0.00–0.33). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±105.9%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-85%Change by 2029TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
0.04Projected 2029 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.00–0.3395% range95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
±105.9%Backtest errorBacktest errorTypical error when we hold out the most recent years, forecast them, and compare to what actually happened. Lower means a more trustworthy projection.Full methodology →
If the recent trend holds, Short-eared Owl in Wyoming is projected to fall about 85% by 2029 — from 0.29 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.04 (95% range 0.00–0.33). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±105.9%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19682029
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →95% low95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →95% high95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
20250.060.000.34
20260.050.000.33
20270.050.000.33
20280.050.000.33
20290.040.000.33

Short-eared Owl Survey Routes in Wyoming

Routes recording Short-eared Owl in Wyoming.
Recent countThe raw number of individuals recorded on this route in its most recent survey year. A single-route tally, not a trend.Full methodology →
Dayton620242008
Schoonover520241999
Raven420242011
Patrick Draw319741974
Arminto320241988
Sussex320121991
Yellowstone219881988
Natrona219881973
Frannie220182006
Moose219921991
Upton219881988
Gas Hills 2220242024
Caballa Crk220231996
Pathfinder219831983
Shawnee220241988
Ne Entrance120132013
Wyarno120241983
Clarkelen119741968
Sundance119831983
Bill119991999
Bear Creek119721972
Gvnt Valley120042004
Yoder119971997
Lovell119991999
Thunder Basin120182015

Short-eared Owl Population Trend in Other States

alaskacaliforniacoloradoidahoillinoisiowakansasmarylandmichiganminnesotamontananebraskanevadanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonsouth-dakotautahwashingtonwisconsin

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-05-22.