Livestock depredations in Asotin County attributed to Couse wolf pack

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff is considering lethal removal of a wolf or wolves in the Couse Pack in Asotin County in southeast Washington. As of July 8, 2024 staff have investigated one dead calf, as well as one injured calf and two injured cows. Based on the investigations, staff confirmed the dead calf was killed by a wolf or wolves and two of the injured livestock (one calf and one cow) wounds were caused by confirmed wolf depredation events. The injuries to the fourth cow were determined to have been caused by a probable wolf depredation event.

On June 27, WDFW staff investigated an injured steer in the Couse pack territory in Asotin County. The investigation revealed evidence consistent with a confirmed wolf depredation (injury).

On July 6, WDFW staff investigated a dead steer in the Couse Pack territory in Asotin County. The investigation revealed evidence on the carcass consistent with a confirmed wolf depredation. Canid tracks were also found at the scene.

On July 8, WDFW staff investigated two injured cows in the Couse Pack territory in Asotin County.  The investigation revealed evidence of a confirmed wolf depredation (injury) on one cow and a probable wolf depredation (injury) on the second cow.  This investigation determined the cows were injured at separate locations and are classified as separate events.

Also on July 8, an adult male wolf was killed that was reported to be chasing livestock. This wolf mortality is under investigation.

This pack has had a history of depredating on livestock. In August 2023, WDFW lethally removed an adult male wolf and a yearling female wolf from the Couse Pack territory in response to a pattern of depredations. After removing these two wolves no depredations were confirmed until the recent depredations in June 2024.

WDFW staff are discussing the depredations and use of non-lethal measures in this pack territory. Staff are assessing how to most effectively address this situation moving forward and will provide a recommendation to the Director within the next few days.