The pueo (poo-eh-oh) is a subspecies of the short-eared owl that is endemic to Hawaii. They inhabit forests and grasslands throughout the Hawaiian islands. It is an endangered species on the island of Oahu. Their numbers are rapidly declining. They are greatly affected by light pollution. They’re often killed by diving towards the headlights of cars presumably in an attempt to hunt. While they appear somewhat resistant to avian malaria, the pueo have become victim to a mysterious condition known as “Sick Owl Syndrome” or SOS. The cause is unknown but it’s suspected that pesticide toxicity may be responsible. The pueo are in theory being poisoned when they eat rodents that have been poisoned. The pueo is one of the various aumakua (ow-mah-KOO-ah), family god or deified ancestor) in the Hawaiian culture.