Western Gray Squirrel News and Updates
2016 Project Work
This year we are again working with the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) to conduct a rigorous, three-year, state-wide survey to determine Washington's western gray squirrel distribution and population status. Our contribution to this extensive survey will put our local squirrel populations into context. We are also continuing research on western gray squirrel recovery in the Carlton Complex Fire area.
2015 Project Work
In 2015 we are worked with the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) to conduct a rigorous, three-year, state-wide survey to determine Washington's western gray squirrel distribution and population status. Our contribution to this extensive survey will put our local squirrel populations into context. We also conducted research on western gray squirrel recovery in the Carlton Complex Fire area.
2014 Project Work
Throughout 2014, volunteers and an intern focused on expanding the study areas as well as more thoroughly exploring previous study areas. Focus in the beginning of the field season was in the upper Chewuch River drainage, but after a large wildfire, focus shifted to Squaw Creek and Black Canyon Creek to determine if the squirrel population which once thrived there was still present after the fire. Over 170 tubes were placed in 2014 as well as several wildlife cameras. Besides gray squirrels, we found hair from red squirrels, bushy-tailed woodrats, yellow-pine chipmunks and even a bear! Many wildlife cameras were placed throughout the valley to observe squirrel behavior. Other animals were caught on these cameras as well, including bears, a bobcat and a wolf.
2013 Project Work
In 2013, a total of 110 hair tubes were placed by volunteers and staff, many in the Lower Chewuch watershed. Positive western gray squirrel hair samples were found in eight different locations this year. These locations confirmed squirrel presence in the area, as well as filling in the area between previous year's positive samples.
2012 Project Work
In 2012, volunteers worked to get more extensive coverage across the Methow Valley. Beginning in July, a dozen volunteers placed tubes from French Creek to Early Winters, the Chewuch River, Twisp River and a number of tributaries. During 2012, over 200 sampling tubes were placed.
2011 Project Work
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On June 4, 2011, we engaged our network of citizen science volunteers to begin the field season. Click here for workshop details and photos. Volunteers refreshed their skills at the PBI office and then traveled to the forests of the Chewuch Valley to set up sampling tubes and see an active nest location. At the end of the season, we held a get-together at the PBI office to celebrate the 2011 western gray squirrel research season, and to give volunteers had a chance to share each other’s field experiences. View a gallery of the year's events here. |
Experiment to test tube design
In 2011, we designed an experiment to test the difference between different sizes of tubes. Part of this experiment involved filming the squirrels on remote cameras to find out more about their behavior. Click the link below to see some of the videos of western gray squirrels.
Western gray squirrel videos are posted here
More information about the western gray squirrel project is available here:
- Western gray squirrel background information
- Forms for volunteer sampling
- Western gray squirrel volunteer information
This is a partnership project with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
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Winthrop, WA 98862 509-996-2490