Wildlife FAQs

Have a wildlife question? We can help. Check out the resources below and read through our frequently asked questions. If you don’t find the answer you are looking for,  don’t hesitate to contact us via email.

Local Wildlife Publications

Co-existing with Large Predators on Vashon-Maury Islands: An information guide for living with wildlife on Vashon. 

Nearshore Resource Guide: Information on shellfish harvest regulations and best practices. Available in English, Spanish, and Korean.

Active Livestock Management Guide for Vashon and Maury Islands: information and best practices on livestock care to minimize wildlife predation.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am experiencing a safety emergency involving a wild animal. What do I do?

Call 911 and ask for state patrol.

I just moved here, is there anything I need to know about getting along with coyotes?

Yes! Read our Co-existing with Large predators pamphlet linked above. And if you have livestock, read our Active Livestock Management Guide for Vashon-Maury Islands.

I found an injured animal, what do I do?

First, assess the situation. Does this animal really need your help? Sometimes birds, fawns, and seals look like they are abandoned but they are not. Err on the side of caution before interfering. “Rescue,” and the associated transport, can be highly traumatic for wild animals and should not be undertaken lightly.  If you decide the animal may need help call Haven Rescue for on island help in assessing, rescuing and transport to an off island facility:  206-876-9652 or info@havenrescue.org  or here is a list of wildlife rehabilitation agencies to call for further assistance.

I found an injured, stranded, or dead marine mammal, what do I do?

If the stranded marine mammal is a small seal, be aware that baby seals are left on the beach by their mothers for long periods of time. The young seal may be just fine. Don’t approach it. If it becomes scared and moves from the area, the mother may not be able to find it again. 

For all other situations call the Marine Mammal Stranding Network:

Cathy King from World Vets is our local NOAA Marine Mammal stranding coordinator as of June 2020: call: 253-777-1775, or email: marine-mammals@worldvets.org. Other local contacts: Tag Gornall: 206-718-5392.  Ann Stateler: 206-463-9041 or vashonorcas@aol.com

I have seen multiple dead birds, do they have bird flu?

Avian influenza outbreaks have been on the rise and we have gotten many questions about whether dead birds can be tested for bird flu. In general, if you see one dead bird, there is no cause for alarm. However, if you are seeing many dead birds in one area, or dead birds and strange acting birds, it could be worth reporting.  Here are some links:

More questions? Contact the Vashon Bird Alliance: info@vashonbirdalliance.org

There is a dead deer in my yard, how do I get rid of it?

If it is in the King County Roads right-of-way, call 1-800-KC-ROADS.

If it’s on your property and too close for comfort, you will need to hire an island excavation service or get a neighbor with a tractor to move it farther away or bury it. If it is further away from your home, consider leaving it to decompose naturally.

I found a dead mammal or bird in great condition, does anyone want it?

Dead mammals or birds can be used as museum specimens. Contact Gary Shugart for more information and to arrange a drop-off: 206-949-9381 or gwshugart@gmail.com.

I am curious about a plant or animal I saw. Where can I learn more about it?

Send us a photo at wonder@vashonnaturecenter.org or post questions to our Facebook group.

Can anyone help me with septic concerns?

Vashon Team Septic: Islanders that provide help with any local septic questions 

King County Hotline:  206-477-8177. Someone will get back to you in 1-2 business days and you do not need to leave name or location.

I think I just saw someone take more than their limit of shellfish or hunt or fish out of season, how can I report it?

Report them to the WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Poaching Hotline or email reportpoaching@dfw.wa.gov. Also read our nearshore resource guide linked above. And if you feel comfortable approaching people and can do it politely feel free to print out the guide and give it to them. This is often a great way to start a conversation and also let beach goers know that we care about and pay attention to the health of our beaches and how they are used.

There is a weird substance flowing into the storm drains up town during this storm and a culvert is overtopped on one of the roads, who should I tell?

Stormwater Problem Reporting: Call 206-477-4811

Email stormwater@kingcounty.gov or submit an online form.

How do I get involved in your community science projects?

Register for a community science project on our events page, subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed on upcoming opportunities, or email us at wonder@vashonnaturecenter.org.

Where do I attend talks and workshops on nature?

Check out our events page for upcoming opportunities, and subscribe to our newsletter to keep informed.

Still looking for an answer? Contact us at wonder@vashonnaturecenter.org.