The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission recently rejected an effort by several environmental groups seeking to limit state efforts to lethally remove wolves that kill livestock.
Washington ranchers and farmers continue to deal with a series of livestock depredations in the northeast part of the state. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), which oversees statewide wildlife management, does not authorize the removal of problem wolves unless proactive and responsive non-lethal deterrent measures are first attempted to try to reduce repeated wolf depredation.
In April 2020, WDFW reported a minimum wolf population of 145 wolves in 26 packs, the largest such population is about 100 years.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation maintains state agencies should manage wolves just as they manage elk, mountain lions, deer, bears and other wildlife species.
(Photo source: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife)