WDFW Kills Wolf From Togo Pack

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife recently killed a wolf from the Togo pack in the NE corner of the state.  Department Director Kelly Susewind authorized the lethal removal last week, following three depredations events (two confirmed and one probable) in Ferry County in less than a month:

• On July 11, a WDFW staff investigation of a dead calf revealed evidence consistent with a confirmed wolf depredation.  
• On July 16, WDFW staff investigated an injured calf. This investigation also revealed evidence consistent with a confirmed wolf depredation.  
•  On July 24, WDFW staff investigated a third dead calf. The investigation revealed evidence consistent with a probable wolf depredation.  

Just a few days after the removal was OKed, WDFW announced an adult male wolf from the Togo pack has been removed.  With that, an evaluation period has started.

Producers Appear To Have Taken The Proper Precautions

WDFW staff discussed the depredations and use of non-lethal measures in this pack territory. Non-lethal deterrents in this case include:   

• Daily/near daily range riding
• Human presence by the producers and ranching staff
• Removing sick and injured livestock and carcasses.  

Given the large size of grazing allotments in this pack area and consistent current range riding efforts, WDFW's district team doesn’t think there are additional reactive non-lethal deterrents appropriate for this situation. Staff assessed how to most effectively address this situation moving forward and will provide a recommendation to WDFW’s Director.

The Department said Susewind's authorization was consistent with the guidance of the state's Wolf Conservation and Management Plan and the lethal removal provisions of the Department's Wolf-Livestock Interaction Protocol.

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