WDFW OKs Removal Of Another Sherman Pack Wolf

Late last week, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife authorized the lethal removal of one wolf from the Sherman pack in Ferry County. The decision, announced by Deputy Director Amy Windrope (while WDFW Director Kelly Susewind is out of office), is in response to repeated livestock depredations.

WDFW says this authorization expires on October 15th. 

According to WDFW, Windrope made this decision for a host of reasons:

• Following the lethal removal of one wolf from the Sherman pack territory in August, the depredating behavior of the pack did not change
• There would be continued overlap between the cattle and Sherman pack wolves through November, with some likelihood of conflict
• Lethal removal of one wolf from the Sherman pack will not jeopardize wolf recovery in the eastern Washington recovery zone or statewide. 

The Department added the affected livestock producer has used several proactive nonlethal deterrents including:

• Daily/ near daily range riding and human presence by the producer and ranch assistants
• Calving away from known wolf activity centers; removal or treatment of non-ambulatory (sick or injured) livestock from pastures in areas where wolves are present (when feasible and when discovered)
• Delayed turnout until calving is finished and calves weigh 200 pounds or more.  

Late Last month, WDFW reported that the producer was removing livestock carcasses when feasible.  The agency also noted concerns about inconsistencies in carcass sanitation and whether it should be considered an acceptable nonlethal deterrent in this scenario.  Given the reported human presence and range riding efforts, WDFW staff said they do not believe there are any additional reactive non-lethal deterrents appropriate for this situation.

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