Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Deputy Director Amy Windrope on Oct. 9 authorized the lethal removal of one wolf from the Sherman Pack in Ferry County following repeated livestock depredations.
However, just a few days later, the order was temporarily halted by a King County Superior Court. The court will hold a preliminary injunction hearing on Oct. 28.
Windrope’s authorization was effective through Oct. 15 and followed two confirmed wolf attacks on calves in late September and early October, marking six depredation events in 10 months. Despite prior removal in August, conflicts persisted. WDFW found that the producer used multiple nonlethal deterrents, including range riding and carcass removal, and that another removal would not jeopardize statewide wolf recovery.
However, Washington Wildlife First and other parties filed a petition for injunction and motion for a temporary restraining order, which the court granted.
