I am writing to update you on recent wolf activities in two packs.
Profanity Peak pack
Yesterday (September 29), WDFW staff, using a helicopter, lethally removed one adult male from the pack. This brings to seven the number of wolves killed in response to the pack’s repeated attacks on livestock.
Since July 8, we have documented a total of 14 attacks on livestock, including nine confirmed and five probable depredations. As I reported two days ago, we confirmed the most recent depredation earlier this week. Given this pattern, we do not believe we have achieved the goal of stopping depredations in the near future.
In addition to the wolf removed yesterday, we have removed two adult females (Aug. 5); one adult female (Aug. 21), and two adult males and one female pup (Aug. 22).
Based on recently documented tracks, we believe the pack now includes one adult female and three juveniles.
The Department’s removal operation is continuing but, as I’ve indicated before, we recognize full pack removal will be extremely challenging, given the rugged and heavily timbered landscape in the area and the wolves’ extensive range.
We are continuing to communicate and coordinate with Ferry County Sheriff Ray Maycumber.
Smackout pack
Yesterday (September 29), WDFW staff investigated a reported livestock depredation in the Smackout wolf pack area. Based on that investigation, staff classified this event as a confirmed wolf depredation, which injured one calf. That brings the total to three depredation events on livestock since September 21, including the recent confirmed kill, one confirmed injury, and one probable kill.
Please contact me at any time if you have questions or need more information.
– Donny Martorello, WDFW Wolf Policy Lead