# RCW 77.12.020: RCW 77.12.020: Wildlife to be classified

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C12_S020

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 77.12.020
- **Heading:** RCW 77.12.020: Wildlife to be classified
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 020

## Text

(1) The director shall investigate the habits and distribution of the various species of wildlife native to or adaptable to the habitats of the state. The commission shall determine whether a species should be managed by the department and, if so, classify it under this section. (2) The commission may classify by rule wild animals as game animals and game animals as fur-bearing animals. (3) The commission may classify by rule wild birds as game birds or predatory birds. All wild birds not otherwise classified are protected wildlife. (4) In addition to those species listed in RCW 77.08.020 , the commission may classify by rule as game fish other species of the class Osteichthyes that are commonly found in fresh water except those classified as food fish by the director. (5) The director may recommend to the commission that a species of wildlife should not be hunted or fished. The commission may designate species of wildlife as protected. (6) If the director determines that a species of wildlife is seriously threatened with extinction in the state of Washington, the director may request its designation as an endangered species. The commission may designate an endangered species. (7) If the director determines that a species of the animal kingdom, not native to Washington, is dangerous to the environment or wildlife of the state, the director may request its designation as deleterious exotic wildlife. The commission may designate deleterious exotic wildlife. (8) Upon recommendation by the director, the commission may develop a work plan to eradicate native aquatic species that threaten human health. Priority shall be given to water bodies that the department of health has classified as representing a threat to human health based on the presence of a native aquatic species.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 77.12.010 RCW 77.12.010: Limitation on prohibiting fishing with bait or artificial lures.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C12_S010.md)
- [RCW 77.12.020 RCW 77.12.020: Wildlife to be classified.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C12_S020.md)
- [RCW 77.12.031 RCW 77.12.031: Llamas and alpacas.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C12_S031.md)
- [RCW 77.12.035 RCW 77.12.035: Protection of grizzly bears—Limitation on transplantation or introduction—Negotiations with federal and state agencies.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C12_S035.md)
- [RCW 77.12.037 RCW 77.12.037: Acquisition, use, and management of property—Condemnation—When authorized.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C12_S037.md)
- [RCW 77.12.038 RCW 77.12.038: Notification requirements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C12_S038.md)
- [RCW 77.12.039 RCW 77.12.039: Acceptance of funds or property for damage claims or conservation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife resources.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C12_S039.md)
- [RCW 77.12.043 RCW 77.12.043: Contracts and agreements for propagation of fish or shellfish.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C12_S043.md)
- [RCW 77.12.045 RCW 77.12.045: Territorial authority of commission—Adoption of federal regulations and rules of fisheries commissions and compacts.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C12_S045.md)
- [RCW 77.12.047 RCW 77.12.047: Scope of commission's authority to adopt rules—Application to private tideland owners or lessees of the state.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C12_S047.md)
- [RCW 77.12.058 RCW 77.12.058: Pollinator habitat.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C12_S058.md)
- [RCW 77.12.068 RCW 77.12.068: Dissemination of information about RCW 77.15.740 and responsible wildlife viewing.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C12_S068.md)
- [RCW 77.12.071 RCW 77.12.071: Sampling of fish, wildlife, or shellfish by department employees.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C12_S071.md)
- [RCW 77.12.075 RCW 77.12.075: Fish and wildlife federal lands revolving account.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C12_S075.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C12_S020. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.