Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff is considering lethal removal of a wolf or wolves from the Onion Creek wolf pack in northeast Washington.
As of Sept. 10, 2024 staff have investigated three confirmed depredation events in the pack territory across Stevens and Pend Oreille counties, resulting in three dead livestock within a period of 30 days.
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. 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 |