Washington Administrative Code
Title 220 - Fish and Wildlife, Department of
WILDLIFE
Chapter 220-450 - Wildlife in captivity and wildlife rehabilitation
Section 220-450-040 - Live wildlife - Facility, fencing, and marking requirements

(a) All captive wildlife held under a department issued permit must be held in a secure facility. For the purposes of this rule, a secure facility is an enclosure constructed to prevent danger to the environment or wildlife of the state, including escape of live wildlife specimens in captivity or ingress of resident wildlife ungulates (hoofed animals).

(b) For wildlife listed in WAC 220-450-030(2), the secure facility must comply with the fencing requirements in subsection (2) of this section.

(a) Perimeter fences must be, at a minimum, 8 feet above ground level for their entire length. The bottom 6 feet must be mesh of sufficient size to prevent resident wildlife ungulates (hoofed animals) from entering and captive wildlife from escaping. If the wire used is not a full 8 feet in height, it must be overlapped one row and securely fastened at every other vertical row or woven together with cable. Supplemental wire required to attain a height of 8 feet may be smooth, barbed, or woven wire (at least 12 1/2 gauge) with strands spaced not more than 6 inches apart.

(b) Perimeter fences constructed of high tensile wire must be supported by a post or stay at minimum intervals of 8 feet.

(c) Perimeter fences must be at least 12 1/2 gauge woven wire, 14 1/2 gauge high-tensile woven wire, chain link, non-climbable woven fence, or other fence approved by the director.

(d) Electric fencing materials may be used on perimeter fences only as a supplement to conventional fencing materials.

(e) All gates in the perimeter fences must be self-closing, equipped with 2 locking devices, and installed only in locations that have been approved by the director. Double gates may be required at points in the perimeter fences subject to frequent vehicle traffic that is not related to activities involving the holding of captive wildlife.

(f) Posts used in the perimeter fences must be:

(g) Fences must be maintained at all times to prevent captive wildlife from escaping or resident wildlife ungulates (hoofed animals) from entering the enclosure. If animals pass through, under, or over the fence because of any topographic feature or other conditions, the person possessing wildlife must immediately supplement the fence to prevent continued passage.

(a) All live specimens of wildlife identified in WAC 220-450-030(2) must be individually identified by:

(b) Identification assigned to an individual animal may not be transferred to any other animal.

(c) Where allowed, all lawful progeny of wildlife identified in WAC 220-450-030(2) must be tagged and tattooed by December 31st of the year of birth or upon leaving the holding facility, whichever is earlier.

(d) Where allowed, if wildlife identified in WAC 220-450-030(2) is sold or transferred within the state, the tag and tattoo must accompany the animal. The new owner or possessor may not renumber the animal.

(e) Where allowed, live specimens of wildlife identified in WAC 220-450-030(2) must be marked prior to importation.

(f) Wildlife identified in WAC 220-450-030(2) may not be sold or otherwise transferred from the holding facility.