Some barn owls became an internet sensation thanks to a live cam showing their every move to the public. The YouTube views translated into in-person visitors to the owls’ nest box at Ohio’s Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
It’s a rare occasion, after all. It’s the first time barn owls have used the nesting box, which has been there for 40 years. So why, despite the owls’ smashing success, did the refuge turn off the live streaming? Because aggressive bird watchers ruined it for everyone.
Wildlife officials initially thought it was great that so many people cared about these owls. However, officials say visitors have started going a little too far. When they felt visitors were threatening the animals’ safety, they decided that maybe YouTube fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be . . . if you’re an owl.
“People were going behind the barricade, and then there was a very large crowd when five of the birds were out of the nest. People were going where they shouldn’t be,” said Rebecca Lewis, a visitor services specialist at the wildlife refuge. “They were blocking the road. They were parking in places that are meant for short-term parking or driving, and it was just, and it was very obvious the camera was helping them to know when and where to look.”
Wildlife officials decided to turn off live streaming on YouTube. Instead, they’re now posting delayed footage of the owls, in hopes this keeps people from stalking the animals in person.
Watch the barn owl live cam (which now shows pre-recorded segments) here: