Report a Sighting

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
WA Poaching Hotline:
800-447-6224 or 509-456-4101

Idaho Department of Fish and Game
ID Poaching Hotline:
800-632-5999 or 208-769-1414

Wolf

If you encounter a wolf, or any animal that is displaying habituated behavior (not afraid of people) please report sighting and details to the Washington Wolf Reporting Hotline at 888-584-9038.

Cougar

In an emergency call 911. If you are reporting a sighting, please click here to become knowledgable about what actions you should take.

Black bear

In an emergency call 911. If you need to report an incident, please notify your local Washington or Idaho State Patrol Office or the nearest Washington or Idaho ranger station. For more information on bear safety, click here.

Grizzly Bear

Quick reporting is critical, read below on who you should contact if you see a grizzly bear or signs of grizzly bear.

Did you see a grizzly bear or grizzly bear field sign in the North Cascades?

With grizzly bears so rare in Washington, every grizzly bear observation is important. Observations by recreationalists in the North Cascades and Selkirks are an important part of monitoring for these iconic creatures.

If you come across grizzly bear tracks, be careful not to disturb them. Take photographs of the track with an object of known dimensions or a small ruler and make a note of the specific location so that someone can return to verify them. If possible, protect the tracks by covering them with light branches or other material and/or a bucket or tarp weighed down at the corners. Rain, wind, sun, or snow can quickly destroy tracks, leaving biologists nothing to see on a follow-up visit.

Who should I contact?

There are several options, but quick reporting is critical – please use whichever option is most convenient. If possible, please contact each of the organizations below.

  • Please be as specific as possible in your message about the location and time of the observation.
  • What exactly did you see (e.g. a single bear, family group, a grizzly bear plant dig, a carcass)?
  • Let us know if you took photographs or measurements.
  • What made you think that it was a grizzly bear or grizzly bear field sign?
  • Remember to give your full name and telephone number.

 

What information should I provide?

Please see Bear identification for more information on how to identify a grizzly bear and tell the difference between a grizzly bear and their black bear cousins.

Many thanks for your cooperation!

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