Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Status Review and 12-Month Finding for a Petition To List the Washington Population of the Western Gray Squirrel

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding for a petition to list a distinct population segment (DPS) of the western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus griseus) in Washington, in accordance with the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. After reviewing the best scientific and commercial information available, we find that the petitioned action is not warranted because the petitioned entity is not a DPS and, therefore, not a listable entity. Additionally, we evaluated the Washington populations of the western gray squirrel relative to the entire range of the subspecies and determined that the Washington populations collectively do not constitute a significant portion of the range of the subspecies. We ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the status of or threats to this subspecies. This information will help us monitor and encourage the conservation of this subspecies.