WDFW seeks comment on periodic status review for Woodland caribou

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public input on its draft periodic status review for woodland caribou.

The Department is recommending to maintain the species’ classification as Endangered in the state of Washington.

The southern mountain distinct population segment of woodland caribou is classified as Endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act and, in Washington, the South Selkirk subpopulation of southern mountain distinct population segment is classified as state endangered. The South Selkirk subpopulation declined rapidly beginning in the early 1900s with only one animal remaining in 2019. Facing imminent extinction, the last remaining South Selkirk animal was translocated to a pen located north of Revelstoke, British Columbia, and was released to join the North Columbia subpopulation in April 2019. Woodland Caribou are extirpated from Washington and are unlikely to reoccupy habitat in Washington in the foreseeable future.

The draft periodic status review for the woodland caribou is available for review at WDFW’s publications webpage. The public can provide comments on the drafts through Aug. 5. 

"The woodland caribou does not currently exist in the wild in Washington," said Taylor Cotten, WDFW conservation assessment section manager. "WDFW continues to work with our partners and is prepared to participate in future recovery and conservation actions for caribou when feasible.”

The public can submit written comments on the review and recommendation via email or by mail to Taylor Cotten, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, P.O. Box 43141, Olympia, WA 98504-3200.

WDFW prepares recovery plans to guide conservation and recovery efforts and periodically reviews the status of protected species in the state.

WDFW works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.