Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) officials have authorized removing one or two wolves from the Couse Pack in southeast Washington after repeated livestock attacks.
WDFW Director Kelly Susewind approved the action Sept. 11 after staff documented four confirmed livestock deaths, one probable death and one confirmed injury involving two Asotin County livestock producers. The pack has been linked to six confirmed depredation events over the past 10 months.
WDFW said affected producers had already used several nonlethal deterrents and removed sick or injured livestock from the area. The agency determined no additional nonlethal measures were appropriate and said removing the wolves would not jeopardize wolf recovery.
