Wolf pack will be eliminated in response to livestock attacks

OLYMPIA, Wash. — In response to attacks on livestock by a wolf pack in the northeast part of the state, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Friday that they will kill off the pack.

The Wedge Pack, a group of at least eight wolves, is believed to have killed or injured at least 15 cattle from the Diamond M herd, which grazes in a large area near the Canadian border.

The attacks have become frequent in July.

According to officials, the plan will lay a foundation for sustainable, long-term wolf recovery for the region. The plan has the support of key conservation interests and livestock operators.

"Once wolves become habituated to livestock as their primary food source, all of the wolf experts we've talked to agree that we have no alternative but to remove the entire pack," said the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Phil Anderson. "By doing that, we will preserve the opportunity for the recovery of gray wolves in balance with viable livestock operations."

Wildlife specialists and wolf experts from other states believe the Wedge wolves have become dependent on cattle as their primary food source.

Conservation Northwest and the Washington Cattlemen's Association have joined the department in this action. For more on their positions, click here: wdfw.wa.gov/news/attach/sep2112a_01.pdf

KIRO