On October 10, 2024, the California Fish and Game Commission accepted a petition to list western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) and designated the species as a candidate species. This decision has triggered a 12-month status review by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). A decision on whether to list this species is expected by spring of 2026; however, as a candidate species, western burrowing owl is afforded the same protections as a listed species under CESA, including prohibition of take of individuals.