“This is a tragic, unnecessary loss to our state’s endangered wolf population. Anyone with the good fortune to see a wolf in the wild knows of their beauty, intellect and tight family bond. This cowardly act flies in the face of committed efforts from biologists, policymakers and ranchers working to recover and coexist with wolves in Washington.”

Zoe Hanley, northwest representative for Defenders of Wildlife
STEVENS COUNTY, Wash.

Defenders of Wildlife condemns the horrific poisoning of six wolves in Stevens County, Washington, and is offering a reward of $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. A total of $51,000 is being offered as a reward by a coalition of environmental groups. 

“This is a tragic, unnecessary loss to our state’s endangered wolf population,” said Zoe Hanley, a wolf biologist with Defenders of Wildlife. “Anyone with the good fortune to see a wolf in the wild knows of their beauty, intellect and tight family bond. This cowardly act flies in the face of committed efforts from biologists, policymakers and ranchers working to recover and coexist with wolves in Washington.” 

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) confirmed the fatal poisonings and additional two wolves killed after investigating an initial report of four found dead earlier this year. All wolves were found in the Wedge pack territory. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to call WDFW’s confidential poaching hotline at 877-9330-9847 or text the tip to 847411.
 

For over 75 years, Defenders of Wildlife has remained dedicated to protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.1 million members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on X @Defenders.

  

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