WDFW Authorizes Removal Of Grouse Flat Wolves

Following a recent confirmed depredation, lethal action has been authorized against a southeast Washington wolf pack.  On Tuesday, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind approved the incremental removal of wolves from the Grouse Flats pack.  The pack has been involved in two depredations in the past 30 days, and four over the last two months, most recently in Asotin County around September 11^th.  These depredations, according to WDFW came despite non-lethal deterrents by area livestock producers including:

• Using range riders to monitor the herd,
• Maintaining regular human presence in grazing areas,
• Removing sick and injured livestock from the grazing area until they are healed,
• Removing or securing livestock carcasses to avoid attracting wolves to the rest of the herd,
• Calving away from areas occupied by wolves,
• Avoiding areas known for high wolf activity, and
• Delaying the turnout of livestock onto grazing allotments until calving is finished and calves are typically at least 200 lbs.

"Despite proactive non-lethal efforts and deterrents by multiple producers affected, this pack has continued to prey on cattle," Susewind said. "While not an easy decision, this step is part of mitigating wolf-livestock conflict if non-lethal measures cease to prevent incidences of wolves preying on livestock."

Based on pack history, the Department expects depredations to continue if action is not taken.  According to the WDFW, Director Susewind's decision is consistent with the guidance of the state's Wolf Conservation and Management Plan and the provisions of the Department's wolf-livestock interaction protocol.  Under the protocol, WDFW can consider lethal removal of wolves if department staff confirm three depredations by wolves on livestock within 30 days, or four within 10 months.

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