WDFW Taking Lethal Action Against Smackout Pack

Four attacks on livestock in less than a year has prompted the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to take lethal action against the Smackout wolf pack in Stevens County.

WDFW Director Jim Unsworth said the action is consistent with their wolf management plan that requires three attacks in 30 days or four in a 10-month period.

The latest attack by the Smackout pack was this week when a rancher reported seeing a calf with bite marks consistent with a wolf. In June, two members of the pack were caught attacking livestock at which point the rancher killed one of the wolves. WDFW determined those actions were legal.

Donny Martorello, WDFW's lead wolf manager said this rancher has made efforts to protect his livestock with non-lethal measures and this was the natural next step.

The Smackout pack was identified in 2016 with eight members, but has since had an unknown number of pups.

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