Following a depredation event on livestock in the Onion Creek wolf pack territory, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is again considering lethal removal of a wolf or wolves from this pack territory in northeast Washington.
On Sept. 19, WDFW lethally removed two wolves (a yearling female and an adult male) from the Onion Creek pack territory following a series of livestock depredations that resulted in WDFW’s Director authorizing lethal removal of animals form the pack. With the removal of the two wolves, the lethal removal authorization expired, and an evaluation period has been started.
Today, on Sept. 30, 2024, staff investigated a dead calf within this pack territory. The investigation revealed evidence consistent with a confirmed wolf depredation.
Following the guidelines of the Wolf Plan (PDF) and wolf-livestock interaction protocol, another lethal removal action may be initiated following removal of a wolf or wolves if WDFW documents additional livestock depredations indicating a renewed pattern of depredation.
The Sept. 30 depredation was in addition to three previous confirmed depredation events in the pack territory across Stevens and Pend Oreille counties:
- On Aug. 10, WDFW staff investigated a dead calf. The investigation revealed evidence consistent with a confirmed wolf depredation.
- On Aug. 15, WDFW staff investigated another dead calf. This investigation also revealed evidence consistent with a confirmed wolf depredation.
- On Sept. 9, WDFW staff investigated a third dead calf. The investigation revealed evidence consistent with a confirmed wolf depredation.
WDFW staff discussed the depredations and use of non-lethal measures in this pack territory from August to the current time. Non-lethal deterrents in this case include:
- Daily to near-daily range riding,
- Human presence,
- Removing sick and injured livestock
- Livestock carcass sanitation
Staff assessed how to most effectively address this situation moving forward and will provide a recommendation to WDFW’s Director within the next few days.
| Date | Depredation |
|---|---|
| 8/10/24 | Confirmed mortality of a calf |
| 8/15/24 | Confirmed mortality of a calf |
| 9/9/24 | Confirmed mortality of a calf |
| 9/30/24 | Confirmed mortality of a calf |
Previous updates
2024 Onion Creek pack updates: