Public comment period open for rule proposal to protect endangered foxes

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has filed a rulemaking proposal for a wildlife trapping restriction meant to protect endangered Cascade red foxes, according to a news release.

The public is invited to submit comments about the proposed rule though Aug. 9.

The rule, if adopted, would mean fox trapping would be closed within the exterior boundaries of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, Okanogan, Wenatchee and Gifford Pinchot national forests this year and in future trapping seasons.

“Fox trapping was closed in these locations last season due to an emergency rule the department filed in February,” said Stephanie Landry, WDFW carnivore section manager. “If the current proposal is adopted, it would establish the same restrictions as a permanent rule.”

The Cascade red fox is a subspecies of red fox found only in Washington. It occupies subalpine and alpine habitats in the southern Cascade Mountains. The subspecies was classified as endangered in Washington in 2023.

Non-endangered red foxes and the endangered Cascade red fox both live in the areas outlined within the rule proposal. As an endangered species, it is illegal to harass, harm or kill a Cascade red fox.

“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 subspecies' territories overlap helps protect the endangered foxes from accidental take,” said Hannah Anderson, WDFW wildlife diversity division manager.

A copy of the rulemaking proposal is available on WDFW’s website at wdfw.wa.gov. The public can submit comments via web form at https://publicinput.com/2024trappingcr102 . Comments can also be submitted via email, by phone at 855-925-2801 (project code 7087) or by mailing written comments to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. ATTN: Wildlife Program, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA, 98504.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission will accept public comments on the proposed rule change at a public hearing to be scheduled during the August commission meeting. Information on how to register to provide comments during the meeting will be made available on the Commission Meeting webpage.

A decision is tentatively scheduled for the September meeting. All members of the public are invited to share their perspectives and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities.