With regards to trapping and releasing squirrels in Washington, please see the last paragraph.

Legal Status of Washington Squirrels

The Western gray squirrel is classified as a threatened species and cannot be hunted, trapped, or killed (WAC 232-12-007).

The red squirrel, Douglas squirrel, and Northern flying squirrel are protected species and can be trapped or killed only in emergency situations (RCW 77.36.030). A special permit is required in such situations.

The Eastern gray squirrel and Eastern fox squirrel are unclassified and may be trapped or killed year-round and no permit is necessary.

It is unlawful to release a native or nonnative squirrel anywhere within the state, other than on the property where it was legally trapped, without a permit to do so (RCW 77.15.250) and (WAC 232-12-271).

>From "Living with Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest" http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/books_link.htm


Russell Link
Urban Wildlife Biologist
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
16018 Mill Creek Blvd.
Mill Creek, WA 98012

(425) 775-1311 ext. 110
linkrel at dfw.wa.gov
http://wdfw.wa.gov