Washington state is home to many creatures that play important roles in our local ecosystems. While finding wildlife in your home or yard might be startling, some animals are legally protected from removal or harm.
Understanding which creatures you cannot legally disturb helps maintain ecological balance and keeps you on the right side of the law.
1. Nesting Songbirds
Songbirds building nests on your property are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Moving or destroying active nests can result in hefty fines up to $15,000!
Most songbirds are beneficial, consuming thousands of garden pests weekly. If you find a nest with eggs or baby birds in your yard, you must wait until the babies have fledged before removing the empty nest.
2. Bald Eagles
Our national symbol enjoys special protection in Washington. Disturbing a bald eagle or its nest carries penalties reaching $100,000 and potential imprisonment.
Eagles often return to the same nesting sites year after year. Even if an eagle builds a nest on your property that seems inconvenient, federal law prohibits harassment or removal without special permits, which are rarely granted to homeowners.
3. Western Pond Turtles
Once abundant throughout Washington, these native turtles are now endangered and completely protected. Finding one in your yard is rare and special!
Western pond turtles have olive to brown shells with yellow markings. Unlike non-native species, these turtles cannot be moved, even if found in your garden pond. Contact wildlife officials who can advise on coexistence or proper relocation procedures.
4. Bat Colonies
Discovering bats in your attic might be unsettling, but these flying mammals are crucial for controlling Washington’s insect populations. A single bat can devour over 1,000 mosquitoes nightly!
Removing bat colonies requires special timing and permits. During maternity season (May through August), eviction is strictly prohibited as baby bats cannot fly and would die if separated from the colony. Professional wildlife specialists can help with legal exclusion methods.
5. Great Blue Herons
Standing nearly four feet tall, great blue herons create quite a presence when they visit backyard ponds. Their striking blue-gray plumage and distinctive silhouette make them easy to identify.
While not endangered, these majestic birds are protected under state and federal laws. Homeowners with fish ponds often worry about predation, but legally cannot harass or remove herons. Instead, consider installing decoy predators or netting as deterrents.
6. Native Salamanders
Washington’s moist climate creates perfect habitats for several salamander species. These secretive amphibians might appear under rocks or logs in your garden, especially after rain.
All native salamanders, including the striking Pacific giant salamander, are protected. Their permeable skin makes them extremely sensitive to environmental changes. If you discover salamanders, leave them undisturbed as they help control garden pests naturally.
7. Owl Nests
Finding an owl family nesting in your yard trees is a rare wildlife privilege! These nocturnal hunters provide exceptional rodent control, potentially saving you from mouse infestations.
All owl species in Washington receive legal protection. Barred owls, great horned owls, and screech owls commonly nest near human habitations. Removing an active owl nest is illegal without proper permits and professional assistance.
8. Garter Snakes
Despite their startling appearance to some homeowners, common garter snakes are beneficial predators protected by Washington law. Their distinctive striped patterns make them easy to recognize among garden plants.
Garter snakes feast on slugs, harmful insects, and even small rodents. Killing or relocating these harmless reptiles is prohibited and unnecessary. Creating brush piles away from high-traffic areas can encourage these helpful creatures to stay while minimizing human encounters.
9. Hummingbird Nests
Anna’s hummingbirds often build walnut-sized nests in Washington yards, using spider silk to bind together plant fibers and lichens. These architectural marvels are easily overlooked but legally protected.
Finding a hummingbird nest requires patience – they’re tiny and well-camouflaged. Even empty nests cannot be collected as souvenirs under federal law. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects both birds and their nests from disturbance, requiring homeowners to delay any tree trimming until after nesting season.
10. Pacific Chorus Frogs
The melodious nighttime croaking from your garden might come from protected Pacific chorus frogs. These small amphibians (typically under two inches long) sport a distinctive black eye stripe and come in various green to brown shades.
Washington law protects these native frogs from collection or relocation. Their spring breeding choruses might seem loud, but these vocal performers provide natural mosquito control. Creating a small wildlife pond can encourage these beneficial creatures to stay while reducing pest populations.