* Pesticides and rodenticides: Short-eared owls can be poisoned by pesticides and rodenticides that are used to control pests in their habitats. These chemicals can accumulate in the owls' bodies and cause a variety of health problems, including reproductive problems, developmental abnormalities, and death.
* Hunting and persecution: Short-eared owls are sometimes hunted or persecuted by humans. They may be seen as a threat to livestock or game birds, or they may be killed simply for sport.
* Climate change: Climate change is also a threat to short-eared owls. As the climate warms, the owls' habitats may become too hot and dry for them to survive. Additionally, climate change is causing the ranges of some of the owls' prey species to shift, which could make it more difficult for the owls to find food.