Most wild birds in Spokane are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Washington state law RCW 77.15, with WDFW and federal authorities, not the City, leading enforcement against killing, harassment, or nest destruction.
Spokane sits along the Spokane River corridor where bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, and many migratory songbirds nest. Killing, capturing, or possessing a protected bird, egg, or nest is illegal under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and RCW 77.15.130, with limited permits issued by WDFW and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for specific damage situations. Property owners removing trees with active nests can face liability and should schedule work outside the breeding season. Spokane City urban forestry coordinates with WDFW when nesting conflicts arise on right-of-way trees.
Disturbing nests or killing protected birds can result in WDFW gross misdemeanor charges, federal MBTA penalties, and fines reaching thousands per bird or nest destroyed.
Spokane, WA
Only WDFW-permitted rehabilitators may legally hold and treat injured wildlife in Spokane, and possession of native wildlife by unpermitted residents is proh...
Spokane, WA
Removing trees on private residential property in Spokane generally does not require a permit, but heritage trees, street trees, and trees in critical areas ...
See how Spokane's bird protection rules stack up against other locations.
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