This report provides information about wolf conservation and management activities undertaken by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) from February 1-28, 2019
Program Updates
The department filed a CR101 (WSR 18-20-084; see online here) on October 1, 2018 to initiate the process for a periodic status review of gray wolves. The department also notified the public in the November 2018 monthly wolf report (here).
The delisting criteria in Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 220-610-110 indicates the Fish and Wildlife Commission shall delist a wildlife species from endangered, threatened, or sensitive solely on the basis of the biological status of the species being considered, based on the preponderance of scientific data available.
It also indicates a species may be delisted from endangered, threatened, or sensitive when it meets the recovery plan goals OR (emphasis added) when it is no longer in danger of failing, declining, are no longer vulnerable to factors like limited numbers, disease, predation, exploitation, or habitat loss or change. Please see WAC 220-610-110 (here) for the exact rule language.
Following the rule, the department will review all relevant data pertaining to the population status and factors affecting existence of wolves in Washington. Based on the information collected and reviewed, the department will make recommendations to maintain the species current listing status as endangered or reclassify species to sensitive or threatened or other status.
The public comment period will be announced at a later date. WDFW will provide updates here and under the Rules Information Center page of the WFDW website.
Communication and Coordination
Department staff members met with Dr. Samuel Wasser of the University of Washington’s Center for Conservation Biology and members of his lab to discuss the differences in wolf population numbers between the WDFW annual count and those estimated from their study. The discussion focused on research and analytical methodology, wolf ecology, and potential opportunities for collaboration. Although both teams agreed that further discussion and work is needed the information exchange was helpful. Additional meetings and supplemental review are anticipated to occur over the next several months.
Statewide Wolf Capture, Survey, and Management
Biologists surveyed for tracks and placed or checked remote cameras in the Salmo, Sherman, Smackout, Skagit, Skookum, and Five Sisters pack areas this past month. They are continuing to work on the annual survey effort to assess the minimum number of wolves in Washington. Wolf biologists also surveyed in areas with recent wolf reports outside of known pack territories, including areas in eastern King County and areas northwest of Mt. Rainier in eastern Pierce County.
The statewide wolf specialist met with District 11 biologists, conflict specialists, and enforcement to discuss how to respond to wolf-related issues and ways to assist with annual wolf surveys.
Any reports of remote camera images, videos, wolf tracks, or sightings from the public are incredibly helpful to assist in locating new wolf activity and potential new packs on the landscape. Please take photos of wolves or wolf sign with some way to measure the size of the track and upload them to the department’s wolf-reporting page.
Proactive Deterrence Measures
Teanaway pack
This month, the Teanaway pack was located within their known territory. No wolf/livestock conflict incidents involving this pack were reported or documented this month. Recreational horseback riders reported that two wolves briefly followed the riders and their dogs at a distance while they were riding in the Park Creek area of Kittitas County.
Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille County
Range rider planning began for the upcoming grazing season. Topics such as deployment, GPS units, bells, new collars, and producer engagement were covered.