FERRY COUNTY, WA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is considering lethal action against the Sherman wolf pack in northeast Washington following a series of confirmed livestock depredations.

Since May 15, WDFW has investigated four injured calves and one dead calf linked to the Sherman pack, all involving a single livestock producer in Ferry County. These incidents meet the department’s criteria for considering lethal removal, which allows such action if three depredations occur within 30 days or four within a 10-month span.

The first incident, reported May 15, included three injured calves and one calf mortality. While WDFW and local wildlife specialists were investigating, the livestock producer shot and killed an adult male wolf reportedly chasing other cows.

WDFW initially chose to observe the pack’s behavior rather than immediately pursue lethal removal, entering what the agency called an “evaluation period” to determine if the loss of one wolf would disrupt the pack’s behavior. However, on May 26, an additional calf was found with injuries consistent with a confirmed wolf attack, despite the producer employing non-lethal deterrents.

Those non-lethal methods included frequent range rider patrols, consistent human presence, calving away from known wolf activity areas, removal of compromised livestock, and carcass sanitation.

WDFW officials are currently evaluating the situation and are expected to present a recommendation to the agency’s director soon.

The Sherman pack has been the subject of previous updates by WDFW as part of ongoing monitoring efforts. For additional details, visit: wdfw.wa.gov.