WDFW Director Kelly Susewind authorized incremental lethal removal after four depredation incidents were documented in less than 30 days. Those incidents included three confirmed dead calves and two probable injured calves. The agency stated that at least two proactive non-lethal deterrence measures were already in place, such as daily or near-daily range riding, regular human presence, carcass removal when feasible, and conducting calving operations away from known wolf activity areas.

According to WDFW, the affected livestock producer had implemented these preventive measures, and staff concluded that no additional reactive non-lethal deterrents would be effective given the large size of the grazing allotments and the level of human presence already occurring.

The lethal removal authorization is in effect through September 4, 2025, after which the situation will be evaluated. The operation may be extended if additional depredations occur.

The Sherman pack has been the subject of prior updates, most recently on August 22. WDFW will provide a final report on this and any other lethal removal actions in its Washington Gray Wolf Conservation and Management 2025 Annual Report, expected in spring 2026. Monthly wolf updates will continue to include summaries of depredation activity.