I am writing to provide an update on the Profanity Peak pack in northeast Washington.
Since July 8, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has documented a total of 13 depredation events on livestock, including eight confirmed and five probable depredations.
The Department has lethally removed a total of six wolves, the same number reported in my September 2 update. These include two adult females removed August 5; and two adult males, one adult female, and one female pup removed August 21 and 22.
Based on information collected during the last month, we now believe the pack included a minimum of seven adults and five pups in early July. At present, we believe the pack includes at least two adults and zero to four pups. We can’t be certain of the number of pups, because they have a relatively high natural mortality rate during the first year.
We continue to see evidence of wolf-livestock conflict in the area. Our staff confirmed the most recent depredation on August 31. In addition, the U.S. Forest Service and an affected livestock producer have reported to us that they are continuing to observe livestock behaviors consistent with harassment by wolves.
The Department is continuing to monitor the situation. The wolf removal action is ongoing, but we recognize full pack removal will be extremely challenging, given the rugged and heavily timbered landscape in the area and the wolves’ extensive range.
Please contact me at any time if you have questions or need more information.
– Donny Martorello, WDFW Wolf Policy Lead