Wildlife

Q: Where can I see Washington's wildlife?

A: The Puget Sound Eyes on Wildlife program maintains a calendar of opportunities by month and location for Washington and bordering states. Another great idea is to buy a Washington Wildlife Viewing Guide, available at local bookstores.

Q: Who do I call if I see a dead animal on the road?

• If the dead animal is on a roadway and is a danger to traffic.
  Contact local county or city road department.
• If the dead animal is on private property.
  Call county sheriff.
• If the dead animal is on state property.
  Call the Washington State Patrol or Washington Department of Transportation.

Q: How do I report a threatening or dangerous animal?

A: Call the Enforcement office in Olympia at (360) 902-2926, or one of the regional offices.

Q: What do I do with an abandoned baby animal or bird I've found?

A: Leave the animal where you found it. Chances are, it's mother is nearby and waiting for you to leave. Very young wildlife are not likely to survive if they're disturbed. If the animal is still alone after 24 hours, you can call the Enforcement office at (360) 902-2926 for a list of rehabilitators.

Q: How do I get rid of animals making a nuisance on my property?

A. If you are experiencing problems with skunks, raccoons, possums, squirrels, or other small wildlife there are steps you can take to discourage them. Make sure you are not leaving pet food or water outside, or food scraps in your compost, and make sure the lids on your garbage cans are secure at all times. You can generously douse problem areas with white vinegar or cayenne pepper as a sensory deterrent. Trim tree branches to eliminate easy access to roofs and other trees. Bright light and loud music may also encourage the animal to leave. If, after taking these precautions you still have a problem, you may need to trap the animal and remove it. Some local rental companies rent live animal traps at reasonable rates; they can be found in the yellow pages of your local telephone directory. The Department of Fish and Wildlife also works with a select group of individuals who are authorized to trap certain nuisance animals for a fee. Call the nearest regional office for a list of those in your area.

Q: Is it legal to own exotic wildlife in Washington?

A: See our Deleterious Exotic Wildlife In Washington page for detailed information on controlled species.

Q: Does the Department offer any programs for Women?

A: Yes. Please see Washington Outdoor Women.