Livestock depredations in Asotin County attributed to WA139 wolf group

Throughout 2023, WDFW has reported on the WA139 wolf group in monthly updates. The collared wolf from the Tucannon pack (WA139f) left the historical territory in late January 2023 and, over the course of several weeks, moved southeast into northeastern Oregon. WDFW wildlife conflict specialists were in touch with livestock producers affected by dispersal movements of the collared wolf. Biologists learned that there were multiple other wolves with the collared wolf, likely other wolves from the Tucannon pack. These wolves spent most of the month of February and some of March in northeast Oregon, where they were involved in several repeated depredations on cattle, killing seven and injuring one (PDF). One of the wolves in the group was lethally removed by an affected livestock producer in Oregon.

In March, the WA139 group spent time in both Wallowa County in Oregon and Asotin County in Washington. WDFW wildlife conflict specialists coordinated with livestock producers and community members in the area. Wildlife conflict specialists had daily check-ins with the Asotin County Cattleman’s Association President and multiple livestock producers in the area of wolf activity. As of late April, the WA139 group localized in Washington and has remained here since that time.

On May 21, WDFW staff investigated four dead calves from one depredation event on private land in Asotin County. Based on the investigations, staff confirmed two calves as depredated by wolves, one calf probably depredated by wolves, and the fourth calf died of an unknown cause. The local wildlife conflict specialist followed up with the affected livestock producer following the investigation and provided the livestock producer with information about nonlethal deterrents and loss claims.

On June 20, WDFW staff investigated a dead heifer on private land in Asotin County. The investigation revealed evidence on the carcass consistent with a confirmed wolf depredation. Canid tracks and scat were found at the scene, and the collared wolf in this group was at the depredation location consistent with the time of the incident. WDFW wildlife conflict specialists continued to have check-ins with the Asotin County Cattleman’s Association President and multiple livestock producers in this area of wolf activity.

On July 31, WDFW staff investigated a dead calf on a U.S. Forest Service public grazing allotment in Asotin County. The investigation revealed evidence on the carcass consistent with a probable wolf depredation and wolf tracks nearby. The local wildlife conflict specialist continued to reach out to livestock producers across the area to let them know of activity in and around their active grazing pastures, allotments, and leases.

On Aug. 15, WDFW staff investigated a dead calf on private land in Asotin County. The investigation revealed signs of struggle in the area of the carcass and evidence on the carcass consistent with a confirmed wolf depredation.

WDFW has documented four depredation events affecting four different livestock producers in Washington resulting in six dead livestock since May 21, 2023 all attributed to the WA139 group. WDFW staff are discussing the depredations and use of non-lethal measures in this pack territory. Staff will discuss how to most effectively address this situation moving forward and provide a recommendation to the Director.