WDFW removes two wolves

September 25, 2012

Two wolves removed from “Wedge” pack

 SCCA calls for delisting to prevent future “problem”  packs

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today that they have successfully removed two wolves from the “Wedge” pack in Eastern Washington. The pack, numbering from eight to 11, has repeatedly attacked cattle at the Diamond M ranch this summer, killing 10 calves and injuring eight.

Despite employing non-lethal methods of deterring the wolves, the Diamond M continued to have calves killed on both their U.S. Forest Service allotment and on their neighboring private ground. WDFW committed publically last week to remove the entire Wedge pack due to their persistent aggressive behavior in killing and eating cattle.

According to reports from WDFW, marksmen utilizing a helicopter were able to remove the two wolves Tuesday afternoon. The Wedge Pack is one of eight confirmed and four suspected packs in the state, most of which are in Pend Oreille, Stevens, Ferry counties.

While the removing the Wedge pack was a necessary step, the Stevens County Cattlemen’s Association is calling for action from the Fish and Wildlife Commission that can help to better address future problems.

“The eight wolf packs that have taken up residence in the Tri-County area will likely end up causing more conflicts in the future. We are asking the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission to take another look at the wolf plan that was passed last year and come to some more realistic timelines for delisting the wolf as an endangered species in the Eastern Washington region,” said SCCA President Scott Nielsen. “It is obvious that wolves are going to thrive in our area, so we need the proper tools to address problems when they arise, not when an entire pack has decided beef is their preferred meal of choice.”