- By Kasey Safford
- Jul 9, 2024
- https://www.ncwlife.com/news/wdfw-seeking-public-comment-on-proposed-rule-to-protect-endangered-foxes/article_3997a4ce-3e28-11ef-bb92-8fc01a514df5.html
OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking public comment on a rule-making proposal for a restriction on wildlife trapping to help protect endangered Cascade red foxes.
The proposed rule, if adopted, would prohibit fox trapping within the exterior boundaries of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, Wenatchee, Okanogan and Gifford Pinchot national forests beginning this year and extending into future trapping seasons.
“Fox trapping was closed in these locations last season due to an emergency rule the department filed in February,” said WDFW carnivore section manager Stephanie Landry. “If the current proposal is adopted, it would establish the same restrictions as a permanent rule.”
The endangered Cascade red fox, as well as other non-endangered red foxes, live within the areas outlined in the proposed rule. Since red fox species are often easy to mix up, the rule would restrict the trapping of all foxes within the forests listed in the proposal.
“The Cascade red fox is indistinguishable from other red foxes except through genetic testing, so a trapping restriction for all foxes in the locations where these sub-species’ territories overlap helps protect the endangered foxes from accidental take,” said WDFW wildlife diversity division manager Hannah Anderson.
Public comment on the proposed rule is open through August 9. Comments can be submitted via web form, email, or by calling 855-925-2801 and using project code 7087. Commenters can also submit written comments via mail to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife ATTN: Wildlife Program, PO Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504.
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