Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff is considering lethal removal of a wolf or wolves from the Leadpoint wolf pack in northeast Washington.
As of July 29, 2024 staff have investigated three confirmed depredation events in the pack territory in Stevens County resulting in two dead and one injured livestock since June 28, 2024.
On June 28, WDFW staff investigated an injured calf. The investigation revealed evidence consistent with a confirmed wolf depredation (injury). That calf later died from its injuries.
On July 25, WDFW staff investigated a dead calf. The investigation revealed evidence consistent with a confirmed wolf depredation.
On July 26, a yearling female wolf was killed that was reported to be chasing livestock. This wolf mortality is under investigation.
On July 28, WDFW staff investigated two injured calves in the same pasture as the last two investigations. One calf’s injuries were confirmed to have been caused by a wolf or wolves while the second was determined to be a non-depredation.
WDFW staff are discussing the depredations and use of non-lethal measures in this pack territory. Non-lethal deterrents in this case include:
Range riding,
Human presence
Thinning trees that have provided cover for wolves, and
- Removing sick, injured, orphaned calves and carcasses.
Staff are assessing how to most effectively address this situation moving forward and will provide a recommendation to the Director within the next few days.
| Date | Depredation |
|---|---|
| 6/28/24 | Confirmed injury of calf |
| 7/25/24 | Confirmed mortality of calf |
| 7/28/24 | Confirmed injury of calf |