Olympia, WA – According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), public input is being sought on two draft periodic status review reports concerning the western gray squirrel and the gopher snake. These reports, critical for shaping future conservation and management strategies, were released as part of WDFW’s ongoing commitment to protecting the state’s diverse wildlife and maintaining sustainable outdoors recreational opportunities. The department announced the opportunity for public comment on May 30, 2025, providing a window for stakeholders, including hunters, anglers, and conservationists, to weigh in on the status of these species and their implications for environment and biodiversity management.
The western gray squirrel, a native species to Washington, has been under scrutiny due to habitat loss and competition with non-native species. The draft report highlights the challenges this squirrel faces, including declining populations in certain regions due to urbanization and forest fragmentation. WDFW is particularly interested in feedback from the public on potential conservation measures that could support recovery efforts while balancing the needs of hunting and other outdoor activities in shared habitat areas. Similarly, the gopher snake, a vital predator in controlling rodent populations, faces threats from habitat destruction and human misunderstanding. The report details the snake’s ecological importance and seeks input on how to mitigate impacts from development and agricultural expansion, ensuring sustainability in Washington’s natural landscapes.
These periodic status reviews are mandated under state law to assess the condition of species listed as threatened, endangered, or sensitive. The western gray squirrel is currently listed as threatened, while the gopher snake is under evaluation for potential listing. WDFW uses these reviews to determine whether a species’ status should be upgraded, downgraded, or remain unchanged, directly influencing regulations that could affect hunting, land use, and conservation funding. The department emphasizes that public comments play a crucial role in shaping final decisions, ensuring that diverse perspectives from rural and urban communities, as well as wildlife enthusiasts, are considered.
To provide context on the urgency of these reviews, consider the western gray squirrel’s population trends. According to WDFW data, the species has experienced a notable decline in the Puget Trough region over the past two decades, with some areas reporting a reduction of up to 30% in sightings since 2000. This statistic underscores the need for targeted conservation actions to prevent further loss and potential impacts on broader ecosystem dynamics. Such declines could indirectly affect hunters and outdoor recreationists by altering the balance of species interactions in shared habitats.
As an example of the conservation challenges at play, WDFW points to the western gray squirrel’s struggle in areas like the Fort Lewis Military Installation near Tacoma. This location, once a stronghold for the species, has seen significant habitat alteration due to military training activities and infrastructure development. Collaborative efforts between WDFW and the Department of Defense have been initiated to restore oak woodlands critical for the squirrel’s survival, but public input is essential to refine these strategies and ensure they align with community priorities for outdoors access and hunting opportunities.
The public comment period for these draft reports is open until August 28, 2025, offering ample time for individuals and organizations to review the documents and submit feedback. WDFW has made the reports accessible online and encourages comments through their public engagement portal or via mail for those preferring traditional methods. The department stresses that all submissions will be reviewed by staff before finalizing the status recommendations, which could lead to updated regulations or protective measures affecting how hunters, landowners, and conservationists interact with these species and their habitat.
Beyond the immediate focus on the western gray squirrel and gopher snake, this process reflects WDFW’s broader mission to balance sustainability with recreational and commercial use of Washington’s natural resources. The outcomes of these reviews could set precedents for how other species are managed, potentially influencing future environment policies and biodiversity initiatives across the state. Hunters and anglers, in particular, are urged to participate, as changes in species status could impact access to certain areas or introduce new guidelines for interacting with wildlife during hunting seasons.
For more information, visit Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.