Two Columbia County Wolves Killed In Recent Weeks

The Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife says two wolves from the newly discovered pack in Columbia County have died. WDFW crews determined the pack, which is located north of the Touchet pack territory and west of the Tucannon pack territory, was responsible for repeated depredations across Columbia County. Because of that Director Kelly Susewind authorized on November 10^th, that two wolves be removed from the pack.

On Sunday, December 5^th, WDFW crews learned that one wolf had been found dead along side a road. Investigators said it was clear that this female yearling had been killed while trying to cross the street. Then on Wednesday December 8^th, a juvenile male was killed under an authorized permit. Because of these two deaths, the removal order has been rescinded.

WDFW has not documented any additional wolf depredations in this pack area since November 15^th.

According to WDFW, if additional livestock depredations are documented indicating a renewed pattern, the Department may initiate another lethal removal action following the guidelines of the Wolf Plan and wolf-livestock interaction protocol.

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