LEAKED DOCUMENT: 2021 UPPER SKAGIT DRAINAGE ZOONOTIC SURVEILLANCE SURVEY — Final Report

AUTHORSHIP

Principal Investigator: Dr. Raymond Holt, Ph.D., WDFW Wildlife Research Division
Co-Investigator: Dr. Ellen Marsh, Ph.D., Dept. of Veterinary Microbiology, Washington State University (contracted)
Field Technicians: Cora Siebert, WDFW; James Nakamura, WDFW
Laboratory Analysis: WSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory; Pacific Northwest Genomics Center, Seattle

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Survey WDFW-URP-2021-SKG-047 was initiated in response to recurring reports from Skagit County law enforcement, National Forest Service rangers, and private landowners of anomalous track evidence, game camera artifacts, and livestock disturbance incidents in the upper Skagit and Sauk River drainage area between June and September 2021. Field teams operated across a 14-mile corridor over 15 days, collecting tissue, scat, hair follicle, environmental DNA, and cast samples from 22 collection sites.

Laboratory analysis of samples collected at sites SKG-21-031 through SKG-21-052 returned results inconsistent with any catalogued species in the Pacific Northwest region. Anomalous findings were reviewed by Dr. Holt and referred to the WDFW Director of Wildlife Research. Following internal review on November 12, 2021, a determination was made that findings were inconclusive and that the study would be closed without submission for peer review or external distribution.

Dr. Marsh formally objected to this determination. Her objection is noted in section 4.3 of this report. It was overruled.

This study is closed. External distribution is not authorized. INTERNAL USE ONLY

SURVEY OBJECTIVES

1. Document presence and distribution of known zoonotic disease vectors in the upper Skagit drainage.
2. Collect baseline tissue and eDNA samples for regional wildlife health monitoring.
3. Investigate reported track anomalies and livestock disturbance incidents for species identification.
4. Assess potential public safety implications of anomalous wildlife activity in the corridor.

FIELD METHODS

Standard WDFW zoonotic surveillance protocol applied. Hair snare stations deployed at 0.5-mile intervals across survey corridor. Scat and track cast collection performed at sites showing evidence of recent large mammal activity. Game cameras repositioned from two prior deployments by Skagit County Sheriff’s Office. eDNA water sampling conducted at nine collection points along the Sauk River tributary system.

All biological samples triple-bagged, labeled with collection site code, and transported under cold chain to WSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory within 48 hours of collection.

Note: Field technician Cora Siebert filed a separate incident report on September 16, 2021 following an unspecified event at site SKG-21-047. That report is held by WDFW HR and was not included in this file. Monster Bureau has submitted a separate records request.

SAMPLE COLLECTION LOG — SELECTED ENTRIES

LABORATORY RESULTS — SECTION 4.3 (ANOMALOUS SAMPLES)

Tissue material recovered from sample SKG-21-047 (claw fragment) and saliva recovered from sample SKG-21-048 were submitted for full genomic sequencing at WSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Results were returned October 14, 2021. A second independent analysis was requested from Pacific Northwest Genomics Center and completed October 29, 2021.

Both analyses returned consistent findings. The genome recovered from both samples does not correspond to any catalogued North American species. The sequence presents as a stable chromosomal fusion of Canis lupus and Homo sapiens genetic material. Integration architecture is not indicative of contamination or laboratory artifact. The fusion is consistent with a heritable, multigenerational genome — a naturally occurring and reproductively stable hybrid species.

Genetic markers across both samples are consistent with a single individual or a close first-degree genetic relative. Hair fiber profile from samples SKG-21-035 and SKG-21-052 includes fiber types consistent with both human and large canid origin from a single organism. Track cast SKG-21-038 indicates a bipedal organism with an estimated body mass of 280–340 lbs and a stride length outside the range of any known primate or bear species.

Dr. Marsh’s recommendation was reviewed by Dr. Raymond Holt and WDFW Deputy Director of Research on November 12, 2021. It was not forwarded. Dr. Marsh was informed the study would be closed and the samples archived. She was advised that external communication regarding the findings would constitute a violation of her contractor agreement. She signed no such agreement after November 15, 2021.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Per direction of WDFW Deputy Director of Research: no recommendations are being issued at this time. Findings are classified as inconclusive. Study is closed.

Monster Bureau note: Dr. Marsh’s formal written recommendations, submitted separately on November 1, 2021, were not included in this file. We have requested them. WDFW has not responded.