Study of rare gray squirrel will involve public observers

By Joyce Campbell
    There isn’t a lot known about the Western gray squirrel, but researchers plan to change that with a study in the Methow Valley, one of the last places in the state where the distinctly large and grizzled, bushy-tailed rodent has survived.
    The Pacific Biodiversity Institute in Winthrop has teamed up with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service to gain a better understanding of where the squirrel is located and involve the public in conservation efforts to help it survive here, according to PBI’s senior wildlife biologist Kim Romain-Bondi.
    The large, native squirrel is absent from most of the state and listed as a threatened species. The gray-colored squirrel only exists in three relatively small populations in Washington state. They are found on the Fort Lewis Army base, in the Klickitat area and here in the North Cascade ecosystem, according to Romain-Bondi.
    PBI will be surveying for the rare squirrels in ponderosa pine habitat in French Creek, McFarland Creek, Gold Creek, Texas Creek, Benson Creek, Libby Creek, Twisp River, Beaver Creek, Fraser Creek, Pearrygin Creek, Ramsey Creek, Chewuch River, Middle Methow River and Big Valley.
    The organization expects to involve local volunteers, including some landowners with prime Western gray squirrel habitat on their property, to conduct distribution and nest count surveys. Volunteers will receive training on Western gray squirrel ecology, identification skills and how to conduct distribution and nest count surveys. PBI is interested in informing landowners about     stewardship of the squirrels throughout the valley.
    “The gray squirrel is unique, it doesn’t cause harm and doesn’t eat livestock,” said PBI director Peter Morrison. He said the animal has suffered a lot of decline until recently. “It’s overlooked and often run over trying to cross the road.” He said the more people know about the gray squirrels and their habitat, the more likely they will take an interest in managing the landscape for the rare squirrel as well as other wildlife species that depend on ponderosa pine forests.
    In January, volunteers will help build and place 200 non-invasive hair-tubes to collect hair that can be used to identify the species. The animal enters an open-ended PVC tube, attracted by their favorite food, walnuts. Sticky tape attached to the inside of the tube collects hair samples.
    There will be at least two community field days for training in Western gray squirrel identification, survey methods, ecology and conservation measures. From mid-March to April volunteers will conduct nest counts in areas where squirrels have been identified. The animals nest in tree cavities and also build stick nests that they reuse over and over, said Romain-Bondi.
    PBI encourages folks to call in sightings and locations for these rare squirrels, especially if the animals are hit on the road. Sightings will be followed up with the survey and educational outreach project, said Romain-Bondi.
    PBI received a grant from the WDFW ALEA Volunteer Grant Program for volunteer travel, per diem and equipment. PBI matched the grant to provide funds for staff time and logistics. The Methow Valley Ranger District and DFW Region 2 have partnered with PBI on the project.
    PBI is taking applications for a skilled conservation biology intern to assist with the surveys and related research. For information on internships visit www.pacificbio.org/about/jobs/jobs.html. To learn more about Western gray squirrel ecology and citizen science volunteer opportunities contact kim@pacificbio.org or call 996-2490.

File photo by Sue Misao: The Western gray squirrel has been observed in just three places in Washington state, including the Methow Valley. The animal will be the subject of a study by the Pacific Biodiversity Institute, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Forest Service.