To protect the endangered Cascade red fox, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has proposed a new wildlife trapping restriction within several national forests. The rule, if implemented, would apply to fox trapping within the expanses of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, Okanogan, Wenatchee, and Gifford Pinchot national forests.
Last season saw these locations temporarily closed for fox trapping due to an emergency rule filed in February, and now WDFW aims to make these restrictions permanent. "Fox trapping was closed in these locations last season due to an emergency rule (PDF) the Department filed in February," WDFW's carnivore section manager, Stephanie Landry said, "If the current proposal is adopted, it would establish the same restrictions as a permanent rule," she added, as per the WDFW.
The challenge at hand is that Cascade red foxes can only be differentiated from non-endangered red foxes through genetic testing, which makes targeted conservation efforts tricky. Hannah Anderson, WDFW's wildlife diversity division manager, emphasized the importance of this broad approach to protect the endangered species, explaining, "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,” as stated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Public feedback is not only invited but crucial to the rule-making process. The department has opened a comment period through Aug. 9, where individuals can voice their opinions on the proposal. Comments can be submitted in various ways, including via a web form, email, or even through the traditional post.
