Volunteer opportunity for pygmy rabbit recovery near Ephrata, WA

Volunteer opportunity for pygmy rabbit recovery near Ephrata, WA

Conservation Northwest / Feb 11, 2022 / Sagelands, WDFW, Work Updates

Hop in the winter search for pygmy rabbit activity.

EPHRATA, WA – If you are east of the Cascades, consider joining the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) and our Sagelands Heritage Program on the search for pygmy rabbit. Pygmy rabbit, named after its tiny size, has both state and federal Endangered status. It is the smallest species of rabbit in North America, and lives right in the heart of Washington’s shrub-steppe landscapes. Our monitoring efforts continue longstanding pygmy rabbit restoration in central Washington.

Tuesday or Wednesday
 February 22 & 23
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sign up here!

pygmy rabbit volunteer opportunity

By helping locate and document rabbit activity, WDFW is able to know where wild pygmy rabbits are, and determine future efforts for trapping and vaccinations. It also allows them to collect samples (fecal pellets) for DNA analysis. This helps determine how many individuals are in the area and where they came from.

What volunteers need:

  1. Sturdy, high, and waterproof boots
  2. Warm clothing (layers, gloves, hat)
  3. Snacks/lunch
  4. Water
  5. Ability to walk uneven terrain throughout the day

Once you fill out the form, we will reach out to you with more details.

Happy searching!

Jordan Ryckman
Conservation Associate

Pygmy rabbit activity in the field. Photo: Jon Gallie (DFW)