The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is considering the lethal removal of another wolf from the Couse pack after a recent killing failed to stop livestock predation.
A calf was injured by wolves on Wednesday, prompting agency officials to reassess their management strategy in eastern Washington. The attack occurred just days after the department killed a member of the pack on Sept. 17 in an effort to curb repeated cattle depredations.
Officials entered an “evaluation period” following the Sept. 17 removal to determine if the pack’s behavior would change without further intervention. The latest injury indicates that the initial removal did not deter the wolves, leading the agency to consider additional lethal action.
History of Conflict in Anatone
The Couse pack, which formed in 2023, roams the ridges and canyons near Anatone where the Blue Mountains meet the Snake and Grande Ronde river canyons. The group has a history of preying on cattle, leading to multiple past removals by wildlife managers.
Agency Director Kelly Susewind had previously approved the killing of up to two pack members before the Sept. 17 action. That earlier authorization was part of a broader effort to protect local ranchers from sustained losses.
State Regulations and Rancher Efforts
Wolves in eastern Washington are protected under state law but are not covered by the federal Endangered Species Act. The state’s Wolf Conservation and Management Plan and Wolf Livestock Interaction Protocol allow for lethal removal when wolves repeatedly attack livestock, provided that producers and the agency have implemented non-lethal deterrence measures.
The affected rancher has taken several proactive steps to minimize conflict. These measures include maintaining a human presence near the cattle herds and avoiding grazing areas known for high wolf activity. The producer also removes sick and injured animals from the range to reduce vulnerability.
Additionally, the rancher delays releasing cattle to the open range until calves weigh more than 200 pounds, aiming to ensure the young animals are strong enough to keep up with the herd. Despite these efforts, the recent calf injury suggests that non-lethal methods alone have not been sufficient to protect the livestock in this specific area.
The department’s decision on whether to remove another wolf remains pending as officials evaluate the effectiveness of current management tactics against the persistent threat posed by the Couse pack.