Washington Fish and Wildlife proposes changes to predator compensation program

Published 10:00 am Monday, February 9, 2026

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife proposes to make minor changes to how it compensates livestock owners for losses caused by wolves, bears and cougars.

Ranchers can apply to be paid the value of cattle, sheep, horses and working dogs attacked by the predators. If wolves harass cattle, ranchers can apply to be compensated for missing cattle, underweight cattle and low pregnancy rates.

To be compensated, ranchers must have worked with Fish and Wildlife to prevent attacks. Ranchers can be compensated for up to $30,000 in losses.

The new rule proposes extending the deadline for filing claims to 120 days after an attack is discovered, up from 90 days. The department could extend the deadline.

The proposed rule would add more ways to document losses. It also would eliminate an appeals board to resolve disputes over claims. Instead, ranchers could appeal under the state’s Administrative Procedure Act.

The department will take public comments on the proposed rule changes until March 16.

Comments can be sent by email to 2026livestockcr102@publicinput.com. They can be mailed to: Wildlife Program, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504, or sent by fax to (360) 902-2162.