Other Species Identification

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Identification of Wolves and Lynx in Washington

Wolves and Lynx are back in Washington.

They are protected under both federal and state law and may not be shot or killed.

Be sure of identification if you are hunting coyote or bobcat.

Report Wolf Observations at:

Help support gray wolf conservation in Washington by reporting wolf sightings and observations through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s official tracking portal.

Educational graphic comparing a gray wolf and a coyote, showing physical differences such as snout shape, ear size, height, weight, and paw size to help identify each species accurately. — How to recognize a gray wolf: this side-by-side comparison with a coyote highlights key differences in size, snout shape, and paw prints to support wildlife identification and conservation awareness. Photos by Savannah Walker, Spokane Tribe of Indians, and Scott McCorquodale, WDFW.

Educational comparison chart showing the physical and track differences between a Canada lynx and a bobcat, including fur color, tail markings, ear tufts, paw size, and stride length for wildlife identification. — Learn how to tell the difference between a lynx and a bobcat. This guide highlights key traits—such as longer ear tufts, larger paws, and gray fur on the lynx versus the bobcat’s shorter tail, spotted coat, and smaller tracks—to help with accurate species identification in the wild. Photos by Keith Williams and Kevin Pickell.

Identification of Fisher and Marten in Washington

Fishers are protected under both federal and state law and may not be trapped or killed.

Be sure of identification if you are trapping marten or mink.

Pelage Colors

Fisher — dark brown with lighter shading on head, back of the neck and back.

Marten — light brown to brown (cinnamon, russet), with creamy brown/ beige face and occasionally chest with darker brown legs, feet and end of tail.

Size

Fishers are bigger, darker and have noticeably longer and fuller tails than marten. Fishers tails average 14-15 inches in length and Martens tails average 6.5-7.5 inches in length.

Ear Shape

Fishers — rounded “teddy-bear” shaped ears

Martens — more pointed ears

Elevation

Fishers and martens overlap in elevation. Therefore, elevation should not be used as an indicator of species presence.

Comparison photo showing a fisher and a marten side by side with trapping information from WDFW, advising trappers to use cubby boxes with a closed front and 2.5-inch entrance hole to avoid catching fishers. — Side-by-side images of a fisher and a marten help trappers identify these similar species. To protect fishers, WDFW recommends using cubby boxes with a closed front and a 2.5-inch entrance hole. Fisher photo by Paul Bannick; marten photo by WDFW staff.

Identification of Grouse Species

Sharp-tailed grouse have short pointed tails, blue grouse have long rounded tails. Though the sharptail grouse is typically found in grasslands, during the fall and winter it will often use aspen and waterbirch and will roost in the trees.

Sage Grouse and Sharp-tailed Grouse (below) are both threatened in Washington State.

Coloration is key — Sharp-tailed grouse have more white on their body feathers and have distinct markings on primary feathers. Blue grouse have less white on their body feathers and have mostly solid primary feathers.

Comparison photo showing Blue (Dusky) Grouse, Sage Grouse, Sharp-tailed Grouse, and Ruffed Grouse with labeled arrows highlighting identifying features. — Identification guide comparing Washington’s grouse species — Blue (Dusky), Sage, Sharp-tailed, and Ruffed Grouse — with arrows marking key differences in tail and body shape. Photos by Khanh Tran and Gregg Thompson.