Report wildlife observations

Two people view wildlife at Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival
Jason Wettstein

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 forms

When reporting a wildlife observation, please provide your name and email, so a WDFW biologist can confirm your observation, if needed. Your name and contact information will not be displayed on the WDFW website but this information is a public record once you provide it, and may be subject to public records requests. See WDFW Privacy Webpage for further details.

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.

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.

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.

Report wild turkey and upland bird observations

Report your observations of wild turkeys and upland birds to help us monitor summer broods and year-round distribution. Learn more about the turkey and upland bird survey.