For Immediate Release

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today lethal removal of two wolves in an unnamed pack in part of the Kettle Range area in northern Ferry County.

Shawn Cantrell, vice president for Field Conservation Programs for Defenders of Wildlife, issued this statement:

“Defenders of Wildlife is committed to the principles of collaboration and coexistence embodied by the Wolf Advisory Group. But we believe that WDFW’s decision to authorize lethal removal of wolves from the unnamed Kettle Range pack is inappropriate. The failure to implement appropriate nonlethal methods and adapt grazing practices is counter to the foundation of the 2017 Wolf-Livestock Interaction Protocol.”

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.

  

News

Image
Violet-green Swallow
ANN ARBOR, MI

Study Led by Defenders of Wildlife Scientist Shows Noise Pollution Impacts on Migratory Birds

“The major takeaway from this study is that anthropogenic noise affects many aspects of bird behavior, with some responses more directly tied to fitness,” said Natalie Madden, lead author of the new study.
Image
Louisiana Black Bear
Raleigh, N.C.

Defenders Receives Advocacy Organization of the Year Award

Defenders of Wildlife joined its partners in the Safe Passage coalition today to accept the Advocacy Organization of the Year Award at the 2026 Sweethearts