FERRY COUNTY, WA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is considering the incremental lethal removal of wolves from the Sherman pack following a series of livestock depredations.
According to WDFW, staff have confirmed or found probable evidence of four depredation events within the Sherman pack territory over the past 30 days. The incidents resulted in three calves killed and two calves injured, all belonging to a single livestock producer.
On August 18, WDFW staff investigated a dead calf and determined the loss to be a confirmed wolf depredation. That same day, investigators examined two additional calves with injuries consistent with probable wolf attacks in two separate events. On August 21, investigators confirmed that two dead calves were killed by wolves during a single event.
WDFW reported that non-lethal deterrents have been in use in the affected area. These measures include daily or near-daily range riding, regular human presence from the ranch staff, and calving away from areas known for wolf activity.
With these depredations continuing despite non-lethal strategies, WDFW staff are evaluating the situation and are expected to provide a recommendation to the department’s director in the coming days.
The Sherman pack is among Washington’s wolf packs monitored under the state’s wolf conservation and management plan.
