Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff is considering lethal removal of a wolf or wolves from the Couse wolf pack in southeast Washington.
As of Sept. 20, 2024, WDFW staff have investigated five wolf depredation events in this pack territory in Asotin County, resulting in one dead calf, confirmed injuries on a cow and two calves along with probable injuries on another cow within a 10-month rolling window of time as mentioned in wolf-livestock interaction protocol (PDF).
On June 27, WDFW staff investigated an injured steer in the Couse pack territory in Asotin County. The investigation revealed evidence consistent with a confirmed wolf depredation (injury).
On July 6, WDFW staff investigated a dead steer in the Couse Pack territory in Asotin County. The investigation revealed evidence on the carcass consistent with a confirmed wolf depredation. Canid tracks were also found at the scene.
On July 8, WDFW staff investigated two injured cows in the Couse Pack territory in Asotin County. The investigation revealed evidence of a confirmed wolf depredation (injury) on one cow and a probable wolf depredation (injury) on the second cow. This investigation determined the cows were injured at separate locations and are classified as separate events.
Also on July 8, an adult male wolf was killed that was reported to be chasing livestock. This event was classified as “caught in the act” under WAC 220-440-080. WDFW Director Susewind assessed the events of the depredations and the caught in the act event and decided to enter an evaluation period on July 15.
However, on Sept. 19, WDFW staff investigated another injured calf in this pack territory in Asotin County and that investigation revealed evidence consistent with a confirmed wolf depredation (injury). This is the fifth depredation within a 10-month period, prompting WDFW to consider options to change pack behavior from depredating on livestock.
WDFW staff are discussing the depredations and use of non-lethal measures in this pack territory. Non-lethal deterrents in this case include:
- Daily to near-daily range riding,
- Human presence,
- Removing sick and injured livestock
- Livestock carcass sanitation
Staff are assessing how to most effectively address this situation moving forward and will provide a recommendation to WDFW’s Director within the next few days.
| Couse Pack depredations in Washington | |
| Date | Depredation |
| 6/27/24 | Confirmed injury of 1 calf |
| 7/06/24 | Confirmed mortality of 1 calf |
| 7/08/24 | Confirmed injury of 1 cow |
| 7/08/24 | Probable injury of 1 cow |
| 9/19/24 | Confirmed injury of 1 calf |