Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to limit wolf information

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced a stricter policy on sharing data from GPS collars on wolves. Wildlife managers will be less precise about the whereabouts of wolves, holding back information previously shared with ranchers, range-riders and local authorities, according to a report by the Capital Press on a policy outlined by the WDFW. The department expressed concern that dens were being disturbed based on available collar data. Data from radio collars can be used to confirm wolfpack locations and confirm livestock depredations. WDFW does not make the collar data available to the public, but has shared it with registered users. WLJ attempted to reach WDFW for comment but as of press time had not received a response. — WLJ