FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5071

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation

House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs

Background: The state of Washington confers the official designation on various flora, fauna, performing arts, minerals, and tartan. The official fauna are designated as the orca, the official marine mammal; the willow goldfinch, the official bird; the common green darner dragonfly, the official insect; and the steelhead trout, the official fish.

The Olympic Marmot is a mammal endemic only to Washington. Olympic Marmots inhabit the Olympic Peninsula in the western section of Washington. Olympic Marmots are highly social animals and may live in groups of over a dozen animals. Gregarious bonds are made between animals in a family. Olympic Marmots identify each other by touching noses and smelling cheeks.

Olympic Marmots hibernate from September to May. During the morning and afternoon on summer days, they feed and spend their time sunbathing on rocks. In the evening, they return to their burrows. Olympic Marmots are relatively easy to see during the summer months along Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Park.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	43	4
House	84	13