Managing Wildlife Populations
Mariposa Copper Survey: Biologists Anderson and Combs surveyed for mariposa copper butterflies in The Cascade Range. A study is underway looking at different populations and genetics of the mariposa/Makah copper complex. WDFW is partnering with Xerces and academic partners to examine this for Species of Greatest Conservation Needs and consideration in relation to the State Wildlife Action Plan. More can be found here.
Bumble Bee Survey: Biologist Anderson surveyed for bumble bees at high elevation sites as part of the collaboration of WDFW and Xerces Society. The surveys are part of the Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee Atlas.
Probiotic Bat Capture in Darrington: Biologist Licence participated in a second round of captures at a Yuma myotis and big brown bat roost in Darrington. These captures are associated with a white-nose syndrome research project aimed at determining the efficacy of a probiotic treatment (among other things) to this devastating disease.
Biologist Licence co-lead a capture effort with Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Haman targeting red foxes on San Juan Island. This project was initiated to conduct a baseline health assessment of the San Juan foxes for comparison to the endangered Cascade red fox population. Additionally, this provided an opportunity to optimize an immobilization drug dosing protocol and provided experience for a University of Washington PhD student currently planning a research project to conduct similar work on Cascade red fox. Outwitting a fox proved to be as challenging as one may guess, but the team did not leave empty handed and gained some valuable information and relationships. Many thanks to the participants that made this effort possible.
Bat Recon on Whidbey Island: Biologist Licence met with a north Whidbey Island landowner and Washington State Parks biologist to survey a bat roost in their attic and provide recommendations for supporting the local bats in this urban landscape. The visit generated great ideas and good will that appears to be formulating into a volunteer project with numerous roosting sites and bat boxes installed throughout the area.
Providing Recreation Opportunities
Access Meeting for GMU 418 Elk Hunters: Private Lands Biologist Wingard and District Wildlife Biologist Waddell hosted a meeting for archery and muzzleloader hunters who successfully drew a Quality Bull special permit in Game Management Unit (GMU) 418. For several years, Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) has partnered with WDFW to allow free motorized access to specific areas on SPI lands for GMU 418 elk hunters. Hunters attending the meeting were provided with details about the North Cascades elk herd, access rules, and a key to unlock specific SPI gates during their hunt. The Department is grateful to Sierra Pacific Industries for this partnership and the tremendous access opportunity they provide to our special permit elk hunters.
Providing Education and Outreach
Biologist Licence coordinated with community members of the City of Langley to provide brochures on the harms of feeding wildlife. Brochures will be mailed to the community with monthly utility bills and will aid in discussions to investigate implementation of a local ordinance against feeding wildlife in the city.
