The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife killed two wolves in a pack that has been attacking calves in Columbia County in southeast Washington, hoping the surviving pack members will stay away from cattle.

The department Friday removed a yearling female and an adult male from the Columbia wolf pack. The department could consider removing more wolves if predations continue.

Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind authorized lethal removal in response to a dozen attacks that began in August. Ranchers were trying to prevent the attacks, but the predations were likely to continue unless the pack was culled, according to Fish and Wildlife.