When It Comes To Killing Wolves, WDFW Looks To Make Changes

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking public comment on proposed changes to rules governing the killing of wolves caught attacking livestock.

Under current rules, in eastern Washington, livestock owners and certain authorized individuals can kill one gray wolf without a permit if it’s attacking livestock.  WDFW said the proposed changes would clarify who’s eligible to take that action and when.  The revisions would also define how an owner can authorize a representative to manage livestock, clarify the definition of an attack, and offer guidance on preventing conflicts by removing sick, injured or dead animals from grazing areas.

“The revision of this rule is aimed at clarifying ambiguities around when and how lethal removal of wolves may occur and addressing livestock-wolf conflict management,” said Subhadeep Bhattacharjee, WDFW wolf and grizzly bear policy lead. “It is central to balancing wolf recovery with mitigating livestock loss due to wolf-livestock conflict.”  

The agency said the goal is to balance wolf recovery with reducing livestock losses.

Public comments on the proposed rule and its environmental review are being accepted through November 23rd.  Comments can be submitted On-line, via E-mail, by phone (1-855-925-2801, project code 7549), or by mailing WDFW Wildlife Program, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504. 

WDFW will hold a briefing and public hearing during a November meeting in Spokane.  The date and time have yet to be announced.

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