By signing this petition, you join us in urging the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to take decisive action to safeguard the Western gray squirrel and ensure the health and vitality of our natural world for generations to come.

In the heart of Washington state's stunning landscapes, a silent struggle unfolds. The Western gray squirrel¹, once a symbol of thriving ecosystems, teeters on the brink of extinction. With its numbers dwindling and its habitat vanishing², urgent action is required to safeguard this remarkable creature and the ecosystems it supports.

Why Does the Western Gray Squirrel Need Your Help?

Historically, Western gray squirrels adorned low- to mid-elevation forests with their distinctive gun-metal gray fur³. These magnificent tree squirrels reveled amidst the embrace of oaks, pines, and Douglas firs, enriching Washington's biodiversity. However, today, their existence is under grave threat.

Diminishing Habitat: Timber harvests, wildfires, land conversion, and climate change have forever altered their natural environment, pushing these squirrels to the brink¹. Their once-thriving forests are rapidly vanishing, and the territory they navigate shrinks each day.

Critical Ecological Role: Beyond their aesthetic charm, Western gray squirrels play a pivotal role in their ecosystem⁴. Their unique foraging habits aid in the dispersion of truffle spores, which attach to tree roots, enabling trees to absorb crucial water and nutrients from the soil. This seemingly simple act has far-reaching ecological consequences that ripple throughout the forest.

Predation and Genetic Diversity: In the circle of life, these majestic creatures fall prey to other wildlife. Additionally, some populations face the grim reality of inbreeding, a situation that threatens genetic diversity and overall health⁵.

Act Now: Support the Reclassification of the Western Gray Squirrel!

Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has taken a decisive stance. They propose reclassifying the Western gray squirrel from "threatened" to "endangered" status⁶. This critical change would usher in a suite of protective measures aimed at conserving the species, including stricter penalties for those who harm or kill them.

Reclassifying the Western gray squirrel is not just about protecting one species—it's about safeguarding the health and vitality of our entire ecosystem. Your support will:

• Deter Harm: Stricter penalties for harming or killing these squirrels will discourage activities that threaten their survival.
• Boost Conservation: More extensive conservation efforts will be implemented to protect their remaining habitats.
• Raise Awareness: By signing, you raise awareness about the importance of preserving our rich native wildlife.

This is a collective effort, and your signature matters. By working together, we can secure a future where thriving native ecosystems bear witness to our commitment to biodiversity and the preservation of all species, including the magnificent Western gray squirrel.

We urge you to take action now! Sign our petition in support of the WDFW's efforts to reclassify the Western gray squirrel from "threatened" to "endangered" status. Your signature is a powerful statement that you stand with us in preserving this iconic species and the diverse ecosystems it sustains!

More on this issue:

1. Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (2023), "Western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus)."
2. Loreen A. Ryan and Andrew B. Carey, United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (May 1995), "Biology and Management of the Western Gray Squirrel and Oregon White Oak Woodlands: With Emphasis on the Puget Trough."
3. Animalia (2023), "Western Gray Squirrel."
4. George Wooten, Pacific Biodiversity Institute (14 February 2013), "Western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus) background information."
5. Naturalist, "Western Gray Squirrel."
6. State of Washington (November 2007), "Western Gray Squirrel Recovery Plan."