The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) today announced the removal of the adult breeding female wolf from the Grouse Flats pack in southeastern Washington in response to recent depredations. The removal took place on September 25, the day after the agency issued a lethal removal authorization. The lethal removal order was issued in response to two wolf depredations within the past 30 days, and four confirmed depredations within roughly two months.
Quinn Read, Director of Northwest Programs at Defenders of Wildlife, issued this statement:
“This lethal removal, in addition to the push for state delisting of the species, is a troubling indication of where WDFW stands on wolf recovery. Going full speed ahead with lethally removing wolves does not inspire confidence in WDFW’s long-term plans for wolf management in Washington. This cannot be the new standard.”
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 activists, 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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