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Commission retains Canada lynx as state endangered after status review
Summary
After staff presented monitoring, population and threat analyses, the commission voted to keep Canada lynx listed as endangered in Washington due to small population size, habitat loss (fires), competition/predation and uncertain immigration from British Columbia.
WDFW staff presented a periodic status review of Canada lynx on June 12 and recommended the species remain listed as state endangered. The review consolidated monitoring data, field detections, and an assessment of threats including habitat loss from wildfire and other landscape change, reduced deep‑snow habitat under climate projections, and increased presence of competitors and predators such as coyotes and bobcats.
Staff said the Okanagan Lynx Management Zone is currently the only area in the state with a resident reproducing population, estimated roughly at 40–100 individuals. The department reviewed recent augmentation efforts (translocation of lynx from British Columbia into the Kettle Range) and said the long‑term demographic contributions of those translocations remain under evaluation. Staff emphasized persistent uncertainties about immigration from B.C., shrinking deep‑snow habitat and multiple drivers that together justify maintaining endangered status.
Public commenters representing conservation groups, hunting and fishing organizations, and local residents addressed the commission. Most public comment supported retaining endangered status, while some speakers discussed habitat management or timber practices as contributing factors to range contraction. After questions from commissioners and brief public comment, Vice Chair Lemkew moved to retain the endangered listing; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
Next steps: WDFW will continue monitoring (camera surveys, genetic sampling and scat collection), coordinate with federal and provincial partners, and fold lynx needs into habitat management conversations with DNR and national forest partners. Staff noted ongoing research funded through the agency’s biodiversity grants and collaborative monitoring programs that will inform future status updates.
