The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is proposing to reclassify the gray wolf within the state.
Using a population projection model crafted at the University of Washington and existing data on gray wolves, WDFW staff suggests a reclassification of wolves from state-endangered status (indicating a serious threat of extinction across all or a significant portion of their range within the state) to sensitive status. This classification denotes a species as “vulnerable or declining.”
According to WDFW, the reclassification of wolves to sensitive status would not affect regulations regarding the take of the species. Wolves would still be safeguarded against malicious and deliberate harassment as per RCW 77.15.130, which prohibits hunting, taking or harassing sensitive wildlife.
Comments are currently being accepted until May 6 on the proposed change at tinyurl.com/mt2vujpz, graywolf2024@publicinput.com or by voicemail message at 855-925-2801 by entering project code 6505.
