Wildlife Reporting

What to Do if You Encounter Wildlife in North Central Washington

During our January Lunch & Learn member event, Emily Jeffreys from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) shared helpful guidance on what to do if you see wildlife that may be at risk, injured, or posing a safety concern.

At-Risk Wildlife
If you see an animal you think may be an at-risk species:

• Record details – Note the time, date, location (GPS coordinates if possible), animal behavior, and any identifying features. Take photos if you can.
• Check the at-risk Species List – Click here to access the at-risk species list.
• Report it online – Fill out WDFW’s online form to submit your sighting.
   

When to Call WDFW Enforcement (360-902-2936) or 911
Call if the animal poses a public safety risk or requires immediate assistance, such as:

• A bull elk stuck in a barbed wire fence
• A bighorn sheep struck by a vehicle and unable to move
• A cougar that approaches instead of fleeing
• A coyote attacking a pet
• A bear feeding on trash in a neighborhood
• A moose preventing you from leaving your home
   

Sick, Injured, or Dead Wildlife

• Report cases online – Use WDFW’s Survey 123 form to report sick, injured, or dead animals.
• Why report? – Tracking helps identify disease outbreaks.
• Deer calls – Many people report injured deer, but adult deer cannot be treated, and the nearest facilities accepting fawns are hours away. Read Solitude is Often the Best Treatment for a Wounded Deer for more details.
• Never remove a fawn – It is illegal and almost always results in the fawn’s death.
   

For more details, visit WDFW’s website.