Four livestock depredations in Smackout pack territory

In August, WDFW investigated four wolf depredations in the Smackout wolf pack territory. These depredations affected three different livestock producers, identified as producers 1, 2, and 3 below.

On Aug. 17, WDFW staff investigated a dead calf in a U.S. Forest Service grazing allotment that had been reported by a range rider. The investigation revealed lacerations, puncture wounds, swelling, and subcutaneous hemorrhaging consistent with a confirmed wolf depredation. WDFW staff estimate the calf died within 24 hours of the investigation.

On Aug. 20, WDFW staff investigated an injured calf in another U.S. Forest Service grazing allotment. Based on severe wounds with associated swelling and bite lacerations on the injured calf, information from range riders, and trail camera photos where the injured calf had been seen grazing, the incident was classified as a confirmed wolf depredation. WDFW staff estimated the injury to have occurred more than one week prior to the investigation.

On Aug. 27, WDFW staff investigated an injured calf that had been reported by a range rider in the same U.S. Forest Service grazing allotment as the calf investigated on Aug. 17. Based on the type, severity, and location of the injuries revealed in the investigation, the event was classified as a probable wolf depredation. WDFW staff estimated the injuries were one to two weeks old.

On Aug. 28, WDFW staff investigated a dead calf discovered by a WDFW range rider on private grazing land. Staff identified lacerations and a puncture wound with associated subcutaneous hemorrhaging and classified this event as a confirmed wolf depredation. Staff determined the calf was killed approximately two to three days prior to the investigation.

WDFW staff also conducted four other depredation investigations in the Smackout pack territory in August that were not classified as wolf depredations. The investigations included two dead calves on Aug. 16, one dead calf on Aug. 17, and one dead and one injured calf on Aug. 20 that were classified as non-depredation events. Two of the three dead calves had been scavenged by wolves, but all three died from non-depredation related causes. All carcasses were removed from the allotments. U.S. Forest Service staff surveyed the area for toxic plants that could have contributed to the death of the calves and did not find any.

Producer 1 impacted by depredations utilized multiple range riders to monitor livestock on a daily/near daily basis on the U.S. Forest Service grazing allotment where their livestock graze. The producer also deployed 20 VHF ear tags on adult cows to help locate groups of cattle in the large allotment. Sick or injured livestock were removed from the allotment when found and carcasses were properly disposed of. When depredations started to occur, the producer began camping near the meadows where a large number of livestock congregated and spent several nights a week there. The producer penned their cattle at night and spotlighted them. A Fox light was deployed on Aug. 25 and a Radio-Activated Guard (RAG) box was deployed on Aug. 29.

Producer 2 utilized a range rider and three individuals for human presence to monitor livestock on a daily/near daily basis on the U.S. Forest Service grazing allotment where their livestock graze. Sick or injured livestock were removed from the allotment when found and carcasses were properly disposed of. The livestock producer delayed turnout until mid- to late July in this allotment and removed several smaller calves from the allotment after depredations started to occur to keep them safe. Fox lights were deployed in areas where livestock congregate and the producer increased the time they spent monitoring livestock by camping near the cattle.

Producer 3 utilized a range rider to monitor livestock four days per week on leased private pasture. Sick or injured livestock were removed from the allotment when found and carcasses were properly disposed of. During the winter, the property owner (who runs livestock on this property in the winter) deployed fladry and Fox lights on the pasture to help keep livestock safe early in the year in this location.

Northeast Washington Wolf Cattle Collaborative (NEWWCC), Cattle Producers of Washington (CPoW), and WDFW range riders as well as WDFW staff are increasing communication to ensure consistent monitoring of livestock in areas with increased wolf activity.              

WDFW has documented four depredation events affecting three different livestock producers resulting in two dead and two injured livestock in August attributed to the Smackout pack. WDFW staff are discussing the depredations and use of non-lethal measures in this pack territory. Staff will discuss how to most effectively address this situation moving forward and provide a recommendation to the Director.

Smackout pack depredations