Article Archives

• Chronic wasting disease - monitoring, precautions focus of state effort
  Although it has not been found in Washington deer or elk, chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a serious concern for wildlife managers nationwide. Since it was first identified in Colorado several decades ago, CWD has since been found in 12 other states and two Canadian provinces.
  Posted November 2004

• Wild salmon population monitoring
  In 1977, the (then) Washington Department of Fisheries initiated a comprehensive, long-range research effort to address the specific needs of managing Washington’s naturally-produced salmon runs. The Wild Salmon Production Evaluation unit (WSPE) was created to measure production, survival, and fisheries contribution of natural salmon stocks.
  Posted October 2004

• Final killer whale status report
  Killer whales are one of the most recognizable marine mammals in the world, and Washington state is home to dozens of these intelligent, social animals. However, beginning in the mid-1990s, scientists noted a sharp decline in the most common of four population groups of killer whales that live in the state.
  Posted April 2004

• Scientists seek clues to mountain goat decline
  Mountain goats inhabit some of the most inaccessible terrain of Washington's Cascade Range. Because of their remote habitat, there is little scientific data on the life history of mountain goats. Biologists from several state, federal and tribal agencies are working together on a mountain goat research project.
  Posted January 2004

• Saint Helens elk transfer benefits North Cascades herd
  Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Point Elliott treaty tribes successfully relocated 41 elk over a two-day period in October 2003.
  Posted January 2004

• Scientists Seek Reasons for Declining Ferruginous Hawk Population
  WDFW recently completed a second season of ferruginous hawk nesting surveys, one of four projects under way since 1999 to investigate an apparent decline in the population of this state threatened species.
  Posted June 2003

• Mule deer research includes ultrasonography, WSU nutrition study with captive herd
  Now in its second year, WDFW's eastern Washington mule deer research includes body condition scoring using ultrasonography for comparison with a captive deer herd diet and nutrition study at Washington State University (WSU).
  Posted August 2002

• Project offers endangered turtles a head start to recovery
  The western pond turtle, an endangered species in Washington, may be making a comeback thanks to a cooperative recovery project . . .
  Posted July 2002

• Captive breeding program offers hope for country's smallest native rabbit
  With only one known site left in the state, pygmy rabbits are on the brink of extinction here....
  Posted September 2001

• WDFW Studies Causes of Cherry Point Herring Decline
  The Pacific herring– a small fish that plays a huge role in Washington's marine ecosystem– is in trouble in some areas of Puget Sound....
  Posted July 2001

• Students, wildlife experts team up for high-tech cougar study
  Through the use of advance technology, including Global Positioning Satellite collars placed on the cougars, scientists will get a clearer picture of how the animals respond...
  Posted May 2001

• Marine refuges offer haven for Puget Sound fish
  Deep in Puget Sound several marine refuges offer protection for large and long-lived bottomfish species such as rockfish and lingcod...
  Posted April 2001

• Bats capture imagination, curiosity of Washington scientists
  It's after 10 pm on an early July evening when the first bat is spotted flying by...
  Posted April 2001

• Five-year, cooperative mule deer study underway in eastern Washington
  A five-year research project to learn more about mule deer populations in northeast and north-central Washington has been launched by WDFW wildlife scientists...
  Posted April 2001