Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director Kelly Susewind authorized the incremental removal of wolves from the Leadpoint Pack in northeast Washington in response to repeated depredations of cattle.
The Leadpoint Pack has been involved in 11 depredation events since June 19, 2020, despite efforts by livestock producers to use nonlethal deterrents.
“Despite the use of proactive nonlethal efforts and deterrents, this pack has continued to attack livestock,” Susewind said. “While not an easy decision by any means, there is a balance that must be achieved when it comes to wolves, humans, and livestock coexisting. In this case, nonlethal measures have not been successful, and we believe the pattern of depredations will continue.”
