Help keep common wildlife common and fill in the blank spaces for presence of rare and hard-to-document species or species of special public or agency concern. Report wildlife observations and join the many citizen scientists who collaborate and share observations on behalf of revealing a more complete picture of wildlife species presence, health and condition, movements and distribution patterns.
In the event of an immediate public safety issue, wildlife violation, or an injured or dangerous animal, please call the WDFW Enforcement office at 360-902-2936 or email enforcement-web@dfw.wa.gov, or call 911.
Wildlife observation reporting tools
Report wildlife observations
Interested parties can explore and submit wildlife point observations that are a priority for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Priority observations include Washington Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and state species of concern. Please note that by using this web application you agree to share your email with WDFW staff who may contact you for more information about your submitted report. Because rare species observations can be difficult to verify without some follow-up, providing an email insures the data you share can be put to good use.
If you are unable to use the reporting form, please submit your observations by emailing us at wildlife.data@dfw.wa.gov. We may only check this email weekly.
Report sick, injured, or dead wildlife
WDFW seeks to understand and respond to the diseases that affect the health of wildlife of our state. You can help by reporting sick, injured or dead wildlife. Learn more about Washington wildlife health issues.
Report sick or dead bats
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a deadly disease that was recently confirmed in Washington state bats. We are asking you to report sick/dead bats and groups of bats you find. Learn more about bats and WNS.
Freshwater mussel observations
WDFW is collecting information about the distribution and abundance of freshwater mussel species throughout the state. If you spend time in lakes or rivers where freshwater mussels may be present, your report can help provide information about the extent of freshwater mussels in the state.
Please note that handling live freshwater mussels requires a state scientific collection permit. Empty shells can be handled and collected. This quick ID guide illustrates how to identify mussels by siphon characteristics when they are found live, and by shell characteristics when found dead.
If you have any questions please contact Chris Sato (Christina.Sato@dfw.wa.gov) or Liz Bockstiegel (Elizabeth.Bockstiegel@dfw.wa.gov).
Report limping elk or elk with hoof deformities
WDFW seeks to understand and respond to the diseases that affect the health of elk in our state. You can help by reporting limping elk or dead elk with hoof deformities. Find out more about elk hoof disease.
Report Mountain Goat Encounters
WDFW and the US Forest Service are interested in better understanding the dynamics of mountain goat / human interactions, particularly on popular trails and camping areas. You can help by reporting mountain goat encounters. Learn more about mountain goats.
Non-native/invasive species
Invasive species, both plant and animal, pose a serious threat to the biological diversity of coastal waters the world over. With improvements in travel technology, the rate of introductions of non-native species has increased dramatically. You can help by reporting non-native and invasive species at the Washington Invasive Species Council website.
Report wolf sightings
Wolves are returning to Washington. You can help by reporting wolves. Learn more about wolf conservation, management, natural history, wolf sightings and wolf packs.