Tje Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife plans to kill an entire wolf pack in the northeast corner of the state. The decision comes after at least 12 cattle were killed in the area.
Fish and Wildlife officials have confirmed seven of the 12 dead cows were killed by wolves. It’s likely that the remaining five were as well.
The cattle graze on federal land between Kettle Falls and Republic, Washington, in the summer. After six calves and two cows were found dead, the state shot two female wolves from a helicopter.
But on August 19, four more dead cattle were discovered.
So, Fish and Wildlife Director Jim Unsworth authorized the removal of the entire pack. This is the third time Washington state officials have been authorized to remove wolves since the predators returned to the state in 2008.
There are 11 adult wolves and five pups in the Profanity Peak Pack — nearly 20 percent of the state’s entire wolf population. It’s not clear when removal will begin.
